Comedic Classic ‘Tartuffe’ Opens at CSUSB

Cal State San Bernardino’s Theatre Arts Department in November will kick off its 50th Anniversary main stage season with a wickedly powerful and provocative take on an old tale, “Tartuffe,” by Molière. This comedic classic from 1664 was the center of great controversy and censorship upon its release, and has now been masterfully adapted by David Ball, making it just as relevant and poignant as the day it first debuted. “Tartuffe” last graced the CSUSB stage in 1990 when then-department chair, Ron Barnes, for whom the theatre was named, directed the classic. Barnes was a founding faculty member when the college opened in 1965 and founded the theatre arts department 43 years ago in 1972. It’s the late 1960s, and Orgon, a wealthy family man, has taken in a stranger by the name of Tartuffe. Tartuffe appears to be an extremely pious and devout man of religion, and Orgon regards him almost as a saint. Offering the stranger his best food and drink, Orgon places the needs of his guest above those of his wife and children, who believe Tartuffe is nothing more than a con man who pretends to be of the highest moral authority, but does not practice what he preaches. CSUSB 50th Anniversary logoBrimming with music, costumes, props and scenery from the 1960s, this unique take on “Tartuffe” will be directed by theatre department chair Terry Donovan Smith. “Tartuffe” opens Nov. 13-22, with eight performances at 8 p.m. each night; and 2 p.m. matinee performances on Nov. 21 and 22. The show will then move to the Palm Desert Campus for three additional performances the weekend of Dec. 5. Individual and season tickets may be purchased from the CSUSB Theatre Arts Box Office by phone at (909) 537-5884, or online at theatre.csusb.edu. Tickets are $6 for students and children under 17; $12 for faculty, staff, senior citizens and military; $15 for adults.