“Tartuffe” has a certain je ne sais quoi.
The French comedy, written in 1664 by dramatist Moliere, follows Tartuffe, a scheming hypocrite who attempts to steal the finances and family of Orgon, a wealthy but very gullible man who believes Tartuffe is honest and a good person.
“It?s a very broad, burlesque, slapstick, no-holds-barred production,” said actor Seamus Dockery, who plays Orgon. “The opportunity to play a role in such a classic, a Moliere comedy, was a great one.”
The Vagabond Players will perform Richard Wilbur?s translated English version of the play, which is written in rhyming couplets.
Orgon?s family tries in vain to show him that Tartuffe is not all he says he is ? with hilarious results. “It?s full of burlesque comedy ? there is a hilarious seduction scene ? and it?s filled with marvelous characters, like a domineering, religiously fanatical mother and a bawdy, in-your-face-funny servant maid,” Dockery said.
“Tartuffe is fun to play because it?s not a charade for him,” said Harry B. Turner, who portrays the evil Tartuffe. “He?s a hypocrite. He draws Orgon in hook, line and sinker. He?s only out for himself, and he doesn?t care who he ruins in the process.”
Both Turner and Dockery believe the play, though written in the 17th century, touches a subject that is still relevant. “Just the fact that the play has lasted and is done all the time [proves its relevance,]” Turner said. “Especially today, when there are so many people who dupe others for their own ends, and the fact that there are so many people who are willing to be led in hopes of a salvation of some sort.”
“People are hungry for somebody who seems to be all they are cracked up to be,” Dockery said. “Unfortunately, Moliere says to beware, because you can be taken in.”
Despite the serious undertone, the actors agree that the play is fun and entertaining. “It?s an out-and-out farcical comedy that starts out by having [the audience] laugh at a fool, and then the audience realizes that sometimes we are that fool,” Dockery said. “So we get to laugh at ourselves and how we are all gullible and can be taken in.”
IF YOU GO
» Tartuffe
» Venue: The Vagabond Players
» Where: 806 S. Broadway, Fells Point
» When: Through May 20, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
» Tickets: $13 to $15
» Info: 410-563-9135
