Hailed as one of Molière's most entertaining and enduring plays, Tartuffe is the comic story of a scheming hypocrite who cons a family into believing he is a pious man in order to steal their fortune. The IC Theatre production of this classic of French dramatic literature is directed by Professor Greg Bostwick.
Performances will be offered at 8:00 p.m. on April 21, 23, 24, and 25. Matinee performances will be offered at 2:00 p.m. on April 25 and 26.
Ticket prices range from $4.50 to $10.00 and can be purchased in person at the Ithaca College Ticket Office in Dillingham Center or by calling 607-274-3224. Tickets may also be purchased by visiting the Ticket Center, calling 607-273-4497, or visiting www.ithacaevents.com.
Originally written and performed in 1664, Tartuffe was offensive enough to be banned by the French monarch at the time, Louis XIV. The Ithaca College Theatre production has transported Tartuffe to 1830s Louisiana and views this scathing social satire through the lens of the idiosyncratic race relations of that time and place.
All people of color in Louisiana lived under heavy law and restriction but those who had come from France when Louisiana was still a French colony – known as "free people of color" -- were treated differently than slaves from Haiti and the West Indies. Though they were considered citizens, the free people of color could not vote; a black woman could have a white male protector but they were not allowed to marry. Slaves, on the other hand, had no rights and were considered the property of their owners, as was the case in much of the rest of the South at that time.
Professor Bostwick has imagined a Tartuffe where the charlatan wreaks havoc on a wealthy family with ties that interweave race and privilege, shedding light on a particular moment in American history.
The cast of Tartuffe includes Corey Whelihan '10 as Tartuffe, Ali Rivera '09 as Mme Pernelle, Matt Gall '09 as Orgon, Jonelle Robinson '10 as Elmire, Nick Barb '11 as Damis, Angelica Duncan '09 as Mariane, Mario Pabon '09 as Valere, Max Lawrence '09 as Cleante, Nikki Legaux '10 as Dorine, John X. Miller '09 as Loyal, Marcin Pawlikiewicz '10 as Officer, Katherine Turner '12 as Flipote, and Denzel Edmondson '12 as Laurent.
The creative team behind Tartuffe includes director Greg Bostwick, scenic designer Alexander Woodward '09, costume design Alison Gentry '09, lighting designer Laura Krassowski '09, sound designer Don Tindall, technical director Joe DiFanzo '09, and stage manager Jennifer O'Connor '10. Jasmine Francois '10 and assistant professor Jim Utz were the dramaturges on the production.
A nationally recognized professional theater training program, the Department of Theatre Arts attracts students from across the United States. Through Ithaca College Theatre and the production season, undergraduate students present all aspects of theater in a professional model. Ithaca College Theatre has been a cultural resource for Tompkins County and the region for more than 70 years.
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