Rejuvenating a classic, a contemporary Tartuffe production

At The French Library Get Directions

Join us for an in-depth discussion of the upcoming production of Tartuffe at the Huntington Theatre Company. The panel will be followed by a cocktail reception.

How does one rejuvenate such a pillar of the theatre industry while respecting its integrity and the direction taken by Molière in 1664? Director Peter DuBois, dramaturge Charles Haugland, and members of the cast and creative team will be guiding us through the “foolishness and folly” of Molière’s Tartuffe. They will discuss their use of modern translation, and what it means to be doing French comedy today.

Members

Non-member

$15

About the Huntington Theatre Company

The Huntington Theatre Company is Boston’s leading professional theatre and one of the region’s premier cultural assets since its founding in 1982. Recipient of the 2013 Regional Theatre Tony Award, the Huntington brings together superb local and national talent and produces a mix of groundbreaking new works and classics made current to create award-winning productions. The Huntington runs nationally renowned programs in education and new play development and serves the local theatre community through its operation of the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA. The Huntington has long been an anchor cultural institution of Huntington Avenue, the Avenue of the Arts, and will remain so on a permanent basis with plans to convert our current theatre into a first-rate, modern venue with expanded services to audiences, artists, and the community. Under the direction of Artistic Director Peter DuBois and Managing Director Michael Maso, the Huntington cultivates, celebrates, and champions theatre as an art form. For more information, visit huntingtontheatre.org.

About the Play

“Devious Tartuffe charms his way into Orgon’s household and schemes to marry his daughter, seduce his wife, and run off with the family’s fortune. Orgon remains entranced despite the appalling evidence of Tartuffe’s behavior – will he see through this con man before it’s too late? Molière spins religious piety and hypocrisy into high comedy in this hilarious and biting satire, one of the world’s great plays.” - Huntington Theatre Company

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.

As a result of Molière's play, contemporary French and English both use the word "tartuffe" to designate a hypocrite who ostensibly and exaggeratedly feigns virtue, especially religious virtue. The play is written entirely in 1,962 twelve-syllable lines of rhyming couplets.

Don’t miss Huntington’s production of Tartuffe, on stage from Nov. 10 to Dec. 10. Center members will benefit from an exclusive discount code. Call reception for additional information.
http://www.huntingtontheatre.org/season/2017-2018/tartuffe/

About Peter DuBois, Huntington Theatre Artistic Director

Peter DuBois is in his tenth season as Artistic Director at the Huntington where his directing credits include Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George and A Little Night Music. His West/End London credits include Sex with Strangers and Rapture, Blister, Burn (Hampstead Theatre), All New People with Zach Braff (Duke of York's Theatre), and Becky Shaw (Almeida Theatre). His New York credits include The Power of Duff with Greg Kinnear (New York Stage and Film).

About Charles Haugland, Dramaturge

Charles Haugland manages Artistic Programs and Dramaturgy for the Huntington Theatre Company. At the Huntington, he has dramaturged for writers including Lydia Diamond, Gina Gionfriddo, Craig Lucas, Kirsten Greenidge, Ryan Landry, Melinda Lopez, Stephen Karam, Rosanna Yamagiwa Alfaro, and others. He has guest lectured on dramaturgy at Boston University, Tufts University, Suffolk University, and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

Upcoming Events

See All Upcoming Events

Social & Community

English Book Club - Émile Zola

In-person, Indoor Event in English

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Join us at the French Library for a conversation on The Belly of Paris by Émile Zola. We invite you to read the book in its entirety and meet us on April 21st, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Social & Community

April Alors... Conversation Club

In-person, Indoor Event in French

Friday, April 24, 2026

Seeking opportunities to speak French? Join us for our popular members-only conversation gathering.

Talks & Discussions

SOLD OUT Mothers, Daughters, and the Supernatural: A Conversation with Marie NDiaye

In partnership with Villa Albertine

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Don’t miss a rare Boston appearance by Prix Goncourt–winning author Marie NDiaye, one of the most acclaimed voices in contemporary French literature. In conversation with Shuchi Saraswat, she will discuss her latest novel in English The Witch.

See All