Corruption, con artists, and comedy abound this month, courtesy of the FAU Drama Department.
Molière’s timeless comedy “Tartuffe” comes to the stage with a contemporary twist. The FAU Department of Theater is presenting this classic French comedy from the 1660s about a false holy man, a naïve and greedy merchant, and other colorful caricatures of the French aristocracy. Although originally written as a satire of King Louis XIV, more commonly known as the Sun King, the play has many themes that resonate with modern audiences.
Plot
Tartuffe, the titular character, is a con artist, and he has his sights set on Orgon, a wealthy, upper-class merchant. Tartuffe poses as a man in holy poverty—pious and fervently religious—to pull at Orgon’s heartstrings, as well as his pockets. He moves in with Orgon’s family, tasked with keeping the house free of sin, and uses the opportunity to live lavishly at the family’s expense. Little does anyone notice, a more insidious transformation is growing in the background.
Content & Satire
The play satirizes the blind faith of the French Aristocracy during the reign of Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. During the time of the Sun King, the aristocracy bowed to his whims and every need. He is often cited as one of the first absolutist monarchs, being a very strong king who wanted no others to share in his power, and he used his position to make the aristocracy fight for his attention. While on the surface it might seem as though “Tartuffe” is a direct attack on Louis XIV or his aristocracy, the play truly satirizes the blind faith and devotion the nobility had to the king and his absolutist ideals.
Style & Design
Although the dialogue remains the same, the style of the play has been updated to reflect modern sensibilities, including the costumes, props, and sets. Characters that have sparked outrage, scandal, and devotion play across the stage in specially curated modern costuming and sets. Even though the dialogue is the same as when it was first performed, the story still reflects themes and caricatures that any modern viewer could understand, which is what makes this classic so timeless.
How to See It
Dastardly schemes, crumbling romance, and a family on the verge of being torn to pieces all arrive at the Marleen Forkas Studio One Theatre early this October. FAU students can view the final dress rehearsal on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Studio One. The first 50 students in line receive a free ticket. Students must line up at 6:00 p.m., 30 minutes prior to the house opening, to claim their ticket. The regular run, available to the public, spans two weekends.
Performances
- Friday, October 3 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 4 at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, October 5 at 2 p.m.
- Friday, October 10 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 11 at 2 p.m.
- Saturday, October 11 at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, October 12 at 2 p.m.
Tickets and How to Purchase
Tickets are $17 for FAU students, $20 for FAU faculty/staff, $27 for the general public, and $20 for FAU Alumni Association members. All tickets carry a $3 per-ticket fee. Tickets and more information are available via FAU Student Union Ticketing.
Enjoy the show!
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