The first three acts of Tartuffe, originally performed in 1664 under the title of "Pleasure of the Enchanted Island" fell under royal interdict. The King forbade the public performance, "depraving himself of a pleasure that others less capable of a just discernment between vice and virtue might not be led astray." Not until 1669 did Louis XIV permit the play to be performed in its entirety.
Although Tartuffe was written more than 300 years ago, this satire continues to be an audience favourite. The themes are familiar. After all, did you make a pledge to Jim and Tammy? Was it not the president who said in his inaugural speech "A new breeze is blowing, and a nation refreshed by freedom stands ready to move on?" Move on to what, a new world order? What CNN repot have you seen lately that is not about the the lifting of yet another mask?
-Darlene Spencer
Winter 1991 Production
By Molière
Translated by: Richard Wilbur
Directed by: Darlene Spencer
Performances: March 19 & 21-23, 1991
Venue: Theatre of the Arts, Modern Languages Building
Cast
Mme. Pernelle - Cathy Haavaldsrud
Flipote - Tamara Knezic
Elmire - Kim Motz
Marianne - Mary Moore
Dorine - Karen Morten
Damis - Bernard Kearney
Cléante - Craig Mason
Orgon - Andrew Rukavina
Valère - Mark McGrinder
Tartuffe - Mark Houlahan
M. Loyal - Tim Rogers
Police Officer - John Salvini
Creative Team
Director – Darlene Spencer
Set Design – Stephen Degenstein
Set Design Assistants – Drama 332 Class
Lighting Design – Claudia Heinemann
Costume Coordinator – Jocelyne Sobeski
Production Team
Production Manager – Brianna Wherry
Stage Manager - Cathy Prendergast
Properties Master – Naomi Snieckus
Costume Mistress – Les Storm
Master Carpenter – Karri North
Sound Operator – Kathy MacGregor
Master Electrician - Mike Poole
Lighting Board Operator – Mike Glussich
Assistant Stage Managers – Tanya Ross, Terry Tremeer
Publicity – Joyce Hahn
Photography – Terry Gauchet
Crew - Drama 244 Class
Special Thanks
UWaterloo Theatre Centre
Alex Kordics
Arnold Beohm, of the Waterloo Regional Police Association Boxing Academy
Mr & Mrs Hoselton
Chris Reid