Christopher Hampton (Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Sunset Boulevard) has penned a new adaptation of Molière’s classic comedy Tartuffe, which will begin performances May 25 at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
Performed in both English and French, the ten-week limited West End run will be directed by Gerald Garutti. Opening night is scheduled for May 29. Casting will be announced at a later date.
In this new adaptation, the 17th century comedy moves to America, where a French film tycoon finds his life uprooted by Tartuffe, a radical American evangelist. This adaptation will alternate between English with French surtitles and French with English surtitles to reflect the unfolding plot.
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In a statement, Hampton said, “Statistically, Tartuffe is the most-performed French play ever. I’ve seen it in theatres ranging from the RSC to the National Theatre of Vietnam, and it never fails to seem relevant and connect with audiences, in addition, of course, to amusing them. So when Gérald Garutti and Oliver King suggested a bilingual version with an English-speaking Tartuffe, it seemed a fascinating way to approach this perennial classic and situate it in today’s bewildering world.”
The production will also feature music by Laurent Petitgand, sets and costumes by Tim Goodchild, lighting design by Paul Anderson, and sound design by David Gregory.
Performances continue through July 28.
For ticket information visit trh.co.uk.