Tartuffe, or The Impostor, or The Hypocrite, first performed in 1664, is one of the most famous theatrical comedies by Molière. The characters of Tartuffe, Elmire, and Orgon are considered among the greatest classical theatre roles.
It was condemned and banned from the stage for five years by the outcry of the « dévots », who were very influential at the kings court in Molière’s day. Tartuffe is a satire on religious hypocrisy. The religious fraud Tartuffe, a penniless scoundrel, worms his way into the rich merchant’s Orgon’s affections and household, blinding the master of the house with his religious « devotion » and counterfeit zeal. He almost succeeds in his attempts to seduce Orgon’s wife, marry his daughter and drive away his son before the final unmasking.
Tartuffe
