Supporting the Arts in Western Massachusetts and Beyond

April 2, 2018

PREVIEW: Silverthorne Theatre’s “Tar2f”


Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, Greenfield, MA
April 12-15 & 19–21, 2018

In this farcical rebuke of religious and moral hypocrisy – particularly timely in today's world – Tartuffe, a wily con man who passes himself off as a pious puritan, has insinuated himself into the household  of Orgon, a wealthy Parisian. The impostor has designs on his benefactor's fortune, as well as his attractive wife. Members of the family are exasperated, then outraged, by Tartuffe's malign influence, as he plots to gain control of Orgon's assets, disinherit his son, marry his daughter and take over his house – along with his mind.

The script updates Moliere's language without losing his incisive wit. In this face-off between love and greed, credulity and cynicism, is a framing device that parallels the crisis within the play, leading to a surprise climax. The tuneful score likewise reflects both the play's period and our own.  

The play runs April 12-15 & 19–21, 2018, at the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, Greenfield, MA