EIU Media Relations

EIU Theatre Arts to Present Timeless Comedy 'Tartuffe'

The Eastern Illinois University Department of Theatre Arts will present Moliere's "Tartuffe" ("The Hypocrite"), transplanted from 17th-century France to the 1980s American South.

Performances will be staged in the Black Box Theatre in EIU's Doudna Fine Arts Center at 7 p.m. March 4, 5, 7 and 8, as well as 2 p.m. March 6.

"Tartuffe," a timeless comedy written in 1664 by one of France's greatest playwrights, follows the outrageous activities of a penniless scoundrel and religious pretender who insinuates himself into the home of his gullible benefactor, wreaking havoc among the family members.

Amid the tales of seduction and blackmail, the playwright mercilessly -- and humorously -- examines the evil men can commit in the guise of religious fervor.

Christopher J. Mitchell, who adapted the play for the EIU stage, is the director.

The cast includes EIU students Tom Michael, Elyse Waggoner, Grant Molen, Ryan McCain, Julie Zielinski, Katy Kruzic, Tim Tholl, Jason Rutkowski, Bill Stinde and Alex Truccano, as well as EIU theatre arts alumna Tracy Phelps Harpster as Madame Pernelle.

The play was translated from the original French by Curtis Hidden Page.

Tickets -- $12 for the general public, $10 for senior citizens and EIU employees, and $5 for students -- may be purchased in person at the Doudna Fine Arts Center Box Office, by telephone at 217-581-3110, or online at www.eiu.edu/doudna.

The Doudna Fine Arts Center is a division of the EIU College of Arts and Humanities.