Controversial French comedy latest play tackled by Heidelberg Theatre Company
It’s the controversial 17th century French sex comedy that could once get you banned from church. Now a Heidelberg theatre group is letting you see it for your own eyes.
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The Heidelberg Theatre Company has launched its newest adaptation, tackling controversial 1600s French play Tartuffe.
Veteran HTC member Joan Moriarty directs the play and said audiences could expect a good laugh.
“Though it was written in the 17th century, the story is still relevant, there are hypocrites and scammers abound everywhere,” Ms Moriarty said.
It is her 26th production at the HTC and Ms Moriarty said she found it a lot harder to direct comedy than drama.
“It’s all about timing, I’m very proud of the whole show,” she said.
When Tartuffe debuted in France in 1664, it shocked the clergy for its attack of religious hypocrisy and the church excommunicated anyone who saw or acted in it.
It was written by Moliere and adapted into English in 1982 by Christopher Hampton.
The play is about Tartuffe, a pious hypocrite who wheedled his way into the wealthy family of Orgon.
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Orgon falls for Tartuffe’s charms and plans to give him not only his fortune, but his daughter’s hand in marriage while the rest of the family scramble to expose Tartuffe for the impostor he really is.
Actor Jim Thompson described the show as a lively and energetic sex comedy.
“We’ve been rehearsing for two months, we’ve refined it down to be very snappy, it’s pretty funny and sharp,” Mr Thompson said.
The production will be on until November 30. Tickets: Heidelberg Theatre Company’s website.
courtney.beaumont@news.com.au