The Arts Club Theatre Company and Touchstone Theatre present the world premiere of Father Tartuffe: An Indigenous Misadventure, a fresh take on Molière’s comedy by Herbie Barnes.
Father Tartuffe: An Indigenous Misadventure tells the story of Orin and his family living well on the Rez after coming into some money thanks in part to his government job with Expo 67, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. But when the gullible patriarch welcomes the con artist Father Tartuffe into their home, his relatives must rally together to save themselves from the imposter’s conniving ways. Can they snap Orin out of his delusions and expose Tartuffe’s less-than-holy intentions?
“This is a Canadian adaptation of Molière’s play Tartuffe with a strong First Nations identity filled with humour and love,” says Barnes. “The core of Father Tartuffe: An Indigenous Misadventure is a comedy about a round man trying to fit into a square hole. When the world reflects that being who you are is not enough, you do just about anything to be more. Orin wants the best for his family and will do anything to achieve it including bringing home the nefarious Father Tartuffe. Guess who’s coming to dinner?”
In this edition of Before The Curtain Goes Up, David C Jones speaks with playwright Barnes to learn more.
The Arts Club Theatre Company and Touchstone Theatre present Father Tartuffe: An Indigenous Misadventure on the Granville Island Stage (1585 Johnston St, Vancouver) from February 22 through March 24. Visit artsclub.com for tickets and information.