Deception, sarcasm, and exaggeration on display in N.C. A&T’s production of the 16th-century satire Tartuffe

The Theatre Arts Program at North Carolina A&T State University closes its season with a comedy that was first banned in Paris in 1667 because of its cutting political and religious satire. Often subtitled, The Hypocrite, this French masterpiece centers on the title character, Tartuffe, who is an imposter invited into the home of a wealthy French family. The man of the house, Orgon, is deceived by Tartuffe, who manipulates his host into believing he is a saintly devout man of religious faith. Blinded by the deception, Orgon sacrifices the well-being of his wife and children to please his visitor.

Moliere’s cleverly crafted characters are intertwined in a series of comical situations and unlikely events punctuated with betrayal, seduction, and religious grandiosity. Under the direction of A&T classical theatre lecturer, Xulee Vanecia J, the play challenges audiences to consider the bigger questions on display in Tartuffe – faith, morality, and blind devotion – as they enjoy this hilarious comedy.

Performance Dates and Times:

• Thursday, April 18, and Friday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 20, at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m.

Performance Location:

Paul Robeson Theatre on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University
For tickets, call. (336) 334-7749 or visit www.ncataggies.com