Tartuffe
by City Theatre Company
Jun. 13 - Jun. 29
Fridays-Sundays
If it’s hypocrisy, greed, seduction – and a lot of laughs! – that you’re desiring this summer, look no further than Molière’s most famous farce, Tartuffe. Under the religious cloak of piety, the lecherous, menacing, arch-hypocrite title character schemes to marry his benefactor’s daughter, seduce his wife, then defraud him of all he possesses. Does the scoundrel succeed? Take your seat and find out in this new production of one of the world’s greatest comedies.
It's true - those whose private conduct is the worst,
Will mow each other down to be the first. – Tartuffe, Act One
Molière’s masterpiece was written over three hundred and fifty years ago; however, the classic has found a fresh reinvention at City Theatre that is even more immediate, identifiable, and hilarious. Rather than being a classic that can be translated to a modern setting, Molière’s play seems more of a contemporary play which just so happens to have been written a few centuries ago. There is an incredible sense of engaging wit and humor from totally relatable people that inhabit the world of Tartuffe.
Man, I can assure you, is a nasty creature. ― Molière
Tartuffe was written and first performed privately for King Louis XIV in 1664. The well-received play was quickly banned, however, when it caused an uproar within a prominent religious group. Declaring Molière to be an “instrument of the devil,” the group clearly mistook the play’s aim against hypocrisy to be an attack against religion itself. Having rewritten the play in secret, he opened it again in 1667 under a new title, The Imposter, only to have it banned again, this time by the archbishop. Finally, Molière was granted a reprieve in 1669, and Tartuffe got its well-received premiere, going on to gross unprecedented box office figure and notoriety as one the best comedic plays ever written.
The production is directed by Payton Trahan, director of City Theatre’s Picnic and The Last Night of Ballyhoo, and features the company of Nathan Clemenson, Andrew Littlefield, Zachary Gamble, Shanaya Dixon, Christine Angelique, Liam Kinna, Kristin Fern Johnson, Mollie Kirby, Haylee Myers, Brent Irwin, Mike Dellens, and Adrian Lancaster.
Celebrating its 19th Season, City Theatre is an Austin-based, not-for-profit arts organization and is sponsored in part by the Austin Creative Alliance and the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin. Founded in 2006, the company has been recognized by the Austin Critics Table Awards, the B. Iden Payne Awards, the Central Texas Excellence in Theatre Awards, BroadwayWorld Austin, Central Texas Live Theatre, and has twice been voted “Best Theatre Company” by Austin American-Statesman’s Austin 360. CTC is dedicated to providing a quality, reputable, and diverse public theatre and stage entertainment experience that is accessible to all artists and the entire Austin community. CTC continues to offer its student and group discount ticket program for any show. Put a little theatre in your life!
Tartuffe
by Molière
City Theatre Company
June 13 - June 29, 2025
June 13 - 29. Thursdays – Saturdays 8:00 pm. Sundays 3:00 pm.
Genesis Creative Collective. 1507 Wilshire Blvd. Austin, TX 78722
General Seating $20-25. Center Reserved $30-35. Group, senior, and student discounts.
TIX: citytheatreaustin.org Info: 512-470-1100 or info@citytheatreaustin.org.
