Updated classic comedy ‘Tartuffe’ opens Feb. 27

“Tartuffe,” one of the world’s great comedies, will be performed in a contemporary revival Feb. 27-28 and March 1-2 at Ripon College. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Benstead Theatre, C.J. Rodman Center for the Arts. The play is intended for mature audiences.

The play was written in 1664 by Moliere, a French playwright, actor and poet. “The play’s subject matter, a ‘false’ religious con man trying to dupe a family out of their wealth, did not sit well with the leaders of the Catholic church in France,” says Professor of Theatre Ken Hill, the director.

“’Tartuffe’ can be seen at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre in London this year, as well as the Stratford Festival in Canada and in Washington, D.C.”

Hill worked with Sam Ginkel ’19 of Mequon, Wisconsin, during the fall term to study all the contemporary productions and translations of the classic comedy. Hill and Ginkel found their translation in a modern version by Ranjit Bolt, used in the Canadian production.

“The translation is contemporary and fun, setting the play in America today, but it also retains the rhythm and rhyme of the Moliere classic,” Hill says. “Every two lines in the play rhyme, forming a couplet. It’s clever, controversial, contemporary and comic. ‘Tartuffe’ is a tale of family and love fighting against hypocrisy and trickery.”

There is no charge for admission, but reservations are required by contacting Barb Mitchell at [email protected] or 920-748-8791.

The cast includes: Savannah White ’19 of Carol Stream, Illinois, as Madame Pernelle; Mackenzie Swart ’20 of Brookfield, Wisconsin, as Elmire; Bailey Jerrick ’20 of Stoughton, Wisconsin, as Dorine; Mattie Ryback ’22 of New Berlin, Wisconsin, as Mariane; Ryan Krogsgaard ’20 of Fort Worth, Texas, as Cleante; Jack Clough ’19, of New Rochelle, New York, as Damis; Jeneva Lindsey ’21 of Juneau, Wisconsin, as Flipote; Deshawn Thomas ’20 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as Orgon; Wil Bridenhagen ’21 of Neenah, Wisconsin, as Valere; Race Rohde ’20 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as Tartuffe; Logan Zeinert ’22 of Wittenberg, Wisconsin, as Laurent; Madeleine Craig ’20 of West Bend, Wisconsin, as Loyal; Dakota Marlega ’21 of Waupaca, Wisconsin, as Officer; and Katelyn Dano ’22 of Hubertus, Wisconsin, and Abbe Lane ’22 of Neenah, Wisconsin, as the maids.

The crew includes: Sam Ginkel ’19 of Mequon, Wisconsin, as the dramaturg; James Balistreri ’19 of Plymouth, Wisconsin, as the assistant director and stage manager; Heidi DeCaluwe ’20 of Jackson, Wisconsin, as the assistant costume designer; Crystal Fercy ’19 of Appleton, Wisconsin, as the assistant set designer; Ali Slowiak ’22, of Kiel, Wisconsin, as the soundboard operator; Billy Stiggers ’22 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as the light board operator; and Juan Baez ’19 of Carrollton, Texas, Breanna Smits ’22 of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and Lindsey Wigand ’22 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as assistant stage managers.

Hill also is the sound designer. Associate Professor of Theatre John Dalziel is the set designer and technical director, and Visiting Professor of Theatre Susan McDaniel Hill is the costume designer.

(Photo: Mattie Ryback ’22, left, Bailey Jerrick ’20 and Wil Bridenhagen ’21)