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An Innovative "Tartuffe" Leads
LSU Theatre's 75th Season
September 29, 2003
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 LSU
Theatre's 75th Season begins with an innovative production of Moliére's
comic masterpiece, "Tartuffe," under the guidance of Ellen
Beckerman, a New York-based guest director.
"This production is not a kitchen sink drama," said Beckerman.
"It's a profound, dark, meaningful story about a family that
has fallen apart."
The story follows Tartuffe, a con artist who comes to live with
a family in crisis. The grief-stricken father of the family, Orgon,
is completely taken in and forces his family to accept Tartuffe's
outrageous demands. The family sees through their guest's lies,
but not before he threatens to rob them of their freedom and their
fortune.
"This play, while very funny, will strike a chord with people
because there are a lot of frauds out there like Tartuffe, but there
are also a lot of Orgons who are desperate to believe in something
rather than see the truth," said Beckerman. "Tartuffe
becomes a pill for Orgon, providing him with all the easy answers."
Beckerman's use of Ranjit Bolt's script translation helps reinforce
the physical style of performance that she is creating with her
cast.
"Bolt's translation is the richest interpretation of the script
that I've seen," said Beckerman. "We're creating an expressionistic,
movement-based ensemble, and the rich language and rhythm of Bolt's
translation go hand in hand with a grounded physical approach."
The cast is primarily Master of Fine Arts Acting students who quickly
proved their commitment and enthusiasm to Beckerman.
"This is a very smart cast - some of them were off-book and
knew every beat from the first day of rehearsal," said Beckerman.
"It's a real collaboration, and I trust their opinions. Their
work has really been quite good."
Complementing the acting are an intriguing set design created by
guest designer Ken Goldstein, an imaginative lighting design from
LSU's Louis Gagliano, and an equally creative costume design from
LSU Alumna Amela Baksic.
"The play is set in a surreal landscape - a white room floating
in space," said Beckerman. "We're sort of on the inside
of the mind in the place where we tell true from false. I hope the
audience will leave thinking about and re-evaluating their opinions."
"Tartuffe" runs October 22-November 2 at the Shaver Theatre
in the Music & Dramatic Arts Building on LSU's Campus. The run
starts with a Pay-What-You-Can Preview performance on Wed., Oct.
22, followed by a Sneak Preview Performance (all seats $8.50) Thu.,
Oct. 23. "Tartuffe" officially opens Fri., Oct. 24, and
runs through Sun., Nov. 2. Tickets are $8.50 for students, $13.50
for LSU faculty and staff and senior citizens, and $15.50 for adults.
Discounts are available in advance for groups of 10 or more. All
performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Fri. and 2 p.m. Sun. No performances
are scheduled on LSU home football game days. Tickets and more information
are available at (225) 578-3527.
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