Theatre Arts presents "Tartuffe" April 21-25 The hilarious 17th century comedy, "Tartuffe," is set to open at Burtness Theatre April 21-25. Arguably Moliere’s greatest play, Tartuffe is a hysterical look at what might come of the house of the wealthy lord Orgon when overrun by the lustful con man, Tartuffe. When Tartuffe was originally performed in 1664 it was very controversial with a number of church officials in France. Soon after Tartuffe opened in Versailles, the play was banned, putting Moliere and his theatre troupe out of a work. Moliere, desperate for the money that a new hit play would bring in, wrote three petitions to King Louis XIV to allow the play to be performed. Eventually the request was granted and Tartuffe opened with great success. Though officials originally wanted to censor Tartuffe deeming it offensive and heretical, it was not so. Moliere’s "Tartuffe" is a satire on religious hypocrisy. Tartuffe was truly the Bernie Madoff of his time, conning Orgon out of his estate and his son’s inheritance while hiding behind religion to accomplish his deception. "Tartuffe" shows through comedy the troubles a family would endure under the rule of a hypocrite and a criminal, and is sure to delight audiences. "Tartuffe" features Jeff Weatherly as Tartuffe, Julia Porter as Elmire, Derek Jefferson as Orgon, Nicole Quam as Madame Pernelle, Emily Elisabeth as Mariane, Terese Nyberg as Dorine, Megan Lonski as Clarissa, Andrew Markiewicz as Damis and Andrew Scott as Valére. "Tartuffe" is directed by the Theatre Arts Department Chair Kathleen McLennan. Tuesday through Saturday performances of "Tartuffe" begin at 7:30 p.m. For more information and ticket reservations, please call the Burtness Theatre box office at 777-2587. All tickets are $15 or $8 with a student ID. Free reserved parking is available on campus. -- Christopher Olsen, Publicity Assistant, Theatre Arts, christopher.olsen.1@und.nodak.edu, 218-341-8588