Tartuffified!

[This is my essay review of the play Tartuffe by SOTA, link below, I attempted to make every sentence rhyme with the one before, I don't think the professor even noticed.] 

Tartuffe, also known as The Imposter, is a comedic play from the seventeenth century.  It which was first performed in 1664 in Paris and was banned immediately. The church considered the three act play to be full of immorality. Jean-Baptiste Poqueline de Moliére, the playwright, rewrote Tartuffe and in 1669 it finally gained popularity. King Louis XIV and Pope Clement had brought Peace to Paris, and since that time the now five act play has been cherished.

In 2014, the Ruth Asawa School of Arts in San Francisco, under the direction of Keith Carames, presented Tartuffe. The brilliant comedy is brought to life by students whose passion for acting is far from aloof. The play opens to Madame Pernelle (played by Katarina Boné Tsokolati) who is causing quite a fuss. She is complaining about her family members that don’t believe that Tartuffe is righteous.  The others in the room, inside Monsieur Orgon’s home, offer heated objections concerning Tartuffe’s piety. Madame Pernelle, however, refuses to listen, while storming away, she maintains that his devotion is mighty.

            The Ladies’ Maid, Dorine, played by Ella Francis, is smart, sassy, and outspoken. Alone she speaks to Cléante; of all of the family news is he told. The gracefully animated Cléante (played by Jeffery Hyche) is the brother of Lady Elmire.  Dorine and Cléante are speaking of Orgon when his son Damis (Jackson Paddock) appears. The three of them begin to ponder about Orgon’s daughter Mariane and her fiancé Valère (Reid Vinson). Will Orgon keep his promise to his daughter that she can marry Valère for whom she greatly cares? Damis then asks Cleante to converse and gain information from his father. He wants to know if Tartuffe is more important to Orgon than his own son and daughter.

Monsieur Orgon (Sean Goldring) arrives home from his journey exhausted and a bit clumsy, to tell the truth. Dorine recounts the events of the family since he had inquired, but to each he replies, “Yes. And Tartuffe?” The performance by Goldring was delightfully funny because portrays Orgon as a man both awkward and elegant. Orgon is questioned about Mariane’s marriage but circumvents so as to never directly answer Cléante.

Julia Farrow, plays Mariane, with grand facial expressions that convey ample emotion. This is evident when Orgon tells his daughter that, concerning her marriage, he has a new notion. Tartuffe will be his son-in-law, Orgon is determined to see it done. Mariane wishes to please her father, but claims she would rather be a nun. Despite his children’s attempts, and others’ attempts as well… Orgon will not bend. Orgon even disinherits his own son, when his son dared to insult his friend.

Tartuffe, played by Brendan Thorn, continues with his ruse. This house guest, so churchly and good is the imposter, Tartuffe. Pretending to be a man of the church, Thorn portrays Tartuffe and cunning. Orgon reveals his plan to leave everything to Tartuffe, his new heir and son. Lady Elmire (Maya Rowe) does not agree, and she speaks to her husband straightforwardly. She hides Orgon under a table, then hops on top as she calls Tartuffe to her knowingly. Tartuffe is befuddled, but soon taken be Elmire. He begins to declare his love and insult Orgon, to whom he is so dear.  That was enough, Orgon was finally convinced. Orgon sends Tartuffe away, his words did not mince.

There is still trouble, now that Tartuffe is the heir. The house and everything is now his to declare. Madame Pernelle still does not believe that Tartuffe is a hypocrite. That is until she is evicted too, and the truth is enough to make her sick. There is good news, when the Officer of the King arrives; he tells Orgon and his family that the King ordered Tartuffe to be imprisoned for this and other crimes.

Now Mariane is promised to Valère again, Damis is claimed as a son, Orgon has his place in the court, his house, and his devoted wife. As is the way for all comedies, the ending reveals that our protagonists will have a happy life. The students at the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts put on a wonderful performance. I liked it so much that I watched it more than once. This was once a three act play that was widely banished. Molière improved this to a five act play that I myself now cherish. 

To watch the play for yourself go here:  https://youtu.be/VKm7_CFNIn8