Tartuffe

"Beauty without intelligence is like a hook without bait."

Jean Baptiste Poquelin, better known by his stage name of Moliere, is considered to be, without a doubt, at the head of French comedy. Renowned for his satirical works, Moliere delighted in exposing the vices and foibles of the day, mercilessly lampooning the social pretensions and conceits of 17th-century French society.

This talent is exhibited nowhere better, than in Tartuffe, a 1664 verse comedy with serious overtones, Tartuffe, is a penniless scoundrel and religious imposter, who is invited by a gullible benefactor to live in his home. Tartuffe wreaks havoc when he imposes a rigidly puritanical regimen on the formerly happy household, breaking off the daughter's engagement, attempting to seduce the wife of his host, and resorting to blackmail and extortion. Ultimately, his schemes and malicious deeds lead to his own downfall.

This timeless comedy with its biting satire, witty dialogue and irreverent staging, have made Moliere one of France's greatest and most influential playwrights for over four centuries. Tartuffe is essential reading for students of theater and those who enjoy great literature.