The University’s Theatre Department will be hosting its fall Mainstage Production on Oct. 31-Nov. 3. This year, the Department is putting on “Tartuffe” by Moliere. The play features 11 talented student actors and one University employee, Mark Hutchinson, the Department of Theatre and Dance’s Technical Coordinator. Biliana Stoytcheva-Horissian is directing the production.

“Tartuffe” is a 17th century French comedy about an impostor, Tartuffe, who tries to con his way into a family by fooling people—mainly the head of the house, Orgon—into believing he is a pious man.

“Tartuffe has the feeling he can get away with everything. [While playing Tartuffe], it feels great to be able to tell people what to do and they listen,” Trey Snow ’16 said.

The maid, Dorine, is feisty and level-headed, and continuously comments on the actions of the play.

“My character is sassy but intelligent, and I find her inspiring. She’s of the lowest class, but she’s one of the most powerful characters, despite her social standing,” Hannah Cordes ’15 said about Dorine.

“Tartuffe” is considered one of the greatest comedies ever written. The structure of the prose in “Tartuffe” is unique because it is written in rhyming couplets. Although the prose is a bit tiring and sometimes strange to follow, “Tartuffe” also contains a vast amount of verbal and physical humor to keep the audience interested.

“A major challenge [of the play] is making the story real and relevant even though the story is told in verse. We have to make the audience see the story behind the rhyme and action,” Gabe Calleja ’16 said.

“Tartuffe” truly showcases the extraordinary talent and passion of the actors. The actors mastered Moliere’s prose, have great comedic timing, and embody their characters’ personalities. Anyone who goes to see “Tartuffe” will be treated to a night of talent, entertainment, and comedy.

Shows are Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 2 at 2 p.m., and Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Harvey M. Powers Theatre in Coleman Hall. Tickets are $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for the general public and can be purchased online or at the door.