FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 2, 2007

The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University Presents Molière's Wicked Comedy “Tartuffe”

Webster University’s Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents Molière's comedy “Tartuffe” and the University premiere of Constance Congdon's translation November 14–18 in the Browning Theatre of Webster’s Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road. Curtain time is 8 p.m., except Sunday, which will have a 2 p.m. matinee only. Admission is $10 for the general public and $5 for senior adults and students. For ticket reservations, call the Fine Arts Hotline at 968-7128.

In Molière's “Tartuffe,” the lecherous, menacing, title character, schemes to marry his benefactor's daughter, seduce his wife and then defraud him of all he possesses under the religious cloak of piety. 

Everyone in the Orgon family sees through the scoundrel Tartuffe's machinations and his attempts to dupe his gracious hosts of their wealth and woo their daughter. Guest Director Jane Page is transforming Webster’s production of the 1664 farce, “Tartuffe,” to a wealthy and acquisitive Texas family in 2007. "We live in a conforming consumer-driven culture," says Page, "filled with ever increasing Mega-churches and our politics are largely run by Texans who 'answer' to a higher power, “Tartuffe” is the newest old play you'll ever see.”

Visiting director Jane Page directs this updated version of the classic French comedy.

Page recently directed "Much Ado About Nothing" for the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis. She will be directing "Rabbit Hole" in March for the Repertory Theatre.

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