Theatre UAF opens 'Tartuffe' on play's 350th anniversary
March 18, 2014
907-474-2417
03/18/14
Theatre UAF is preparing to open its spring performance, Moliere's classic play "Tartuffe," 350 years after the play's first performance in 1664. Directed by University of Alaska Fairbanks assistant professor Brian Cook, the performance features UAF students and Fairbanks community members in traditional period costumes and wigs delivering the script of 1,962 rhyming couplets.
Set in 17th-century Paris, this comedy takes place in the home of the wealthy Monsieur Orgon, where Tartuffe — a fraud whom Orgon believes to be a paragon of virtue — has insinuated himself. Tartuffe succeeds in winning the respect and devotion of Orgon before attempting to marry his daughter, seduce his wife and scrounge the deed to the property. The story examines the dangers that imperil people who blindly stand by their beliefs despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary.
Performances take place in the Lee H. Salisbury Theatre, weekends from March 28-April 6, with a special wine tasting and gala event on opening night. Tickets are on sale at the Theatre UAF box office, at 474-7751 and online at theatreuaf.org. Tickets may be purchased at the door, if available, for an additional $2 per ticket.
ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Theatre UAF at 907-474-6590 or theatre.uaf@alaska.edu.
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