The National Arts Centre English Theatre opens Artistic Director Jillian Keiley’s inaugural season with a twist on one of theatre’s most famous comedies, Tartuffe, running October 15 through November 2. Under the direction of Ms Keiley, Molière’s classic is ingeniously re-imagined with a sprinkling of Newfoundland charm, courtesy of CODCO’s Andy Jones.

Brought to life by Mr. Jones and the ten-member 2013-14 Ensemble, this Tartuffe is two hours of insanely brilliant showmanship that is witty, cutting and fierce. A blazingly funny exploration of religious hypocrisy – given a salty and distinctive Newfoundland flavour – the show starts with a slow boil that quickly roils into a steaming, rollicking love-fest.

Originally set in 17th-century Parisian high society during the reign of King Louis XIV, the story has been relocated to 1939 at the home of a wealthy fish merchant on the South Coast of Newfoundland. Mr. Jones cleverly maintains the rhyming verse that is so prevalent in Molière’s version, while giving it a touch of homegrown vernacular.

Tartuffe marks the launch of “The Collaborations,” a new development initiative of English Theatre.  As a part of this exciting new approach, the NAC English Theatre works in partnership with playwrights, artists and companies across Canada.  The Collaborations is attracted to new projects, germinating and evolving on their own soil, with the goal that some may eventually appear on the NAC stage. New World Theatre Project in Newfoundland originally commissioned and premiered Tartuffe, also directed by Jillian Keiley, in Cupids, NL in August of 2012.  In keeping with the spirit of The Collaborations, the NAC invested in Andy Jones' desire to keep working on the text, and this new script is set to open Ms. Keiley's inaugural season. 

 

“French original takes on comedic Newfoundland flavour... Andy Jones in clerical collar and purple stock is superb... ” - The Telegram

Featuring Andy Jones with the 2013-14 Ensemble:
Petrina Bromley, Christine Brubaker, Dmitry Chepovetsky, David Coomber, Eric Davis, Leah Doz, Sheldon Elter, Quancetia Hamilton, Eliza-Jane Scott, and Joey Tremblay.

The creative team includes: Director Jillian Keiley; Set Designer Patrick Clark; Lighting Designer Rebecca Picherack; Costume Designer Marie Sharpe; Musical Director Doreen Taylor-Claxton; Movement Coach Andy Massingham; Dialect Coach Heather Hill; Stage Manager Stéfanie Séguin and Assistant Stage Manager Kai-Yueh Chen.

Tartuffe
October 15 – November 2
           
Pay-What-You-Can:
Tuesday, October 15

Previews:                
Wednesday, October 16 and Thursday, October 17
                       
Opens:
Friday, October 18

Tartuffe Points of View:  
Saturday, October 19 at 12:45 p.m. in the Rehearsal Hall A
Experience English Theatre productions through an encounter with two special guests offering unique perspectives on the piece. In this Points of View, the tables will be turned as Associate Artistic Director Sarah Garton Stanley interviews Artistic Director Jillian Keiley, along with a special guest about the production of Tartuffe.

Talkbacks:
Wednesdays, October 23 and 30, and Thursdays, October 24 and 31.
Stay in your seats for a post-show question-and-answer session with artists from Tartuffe.

Performance Schedule:  
Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday matinees at 2 p.m.
(no performances on Sundays or Mondays.)

Tickets:

From $30 to $75

Tickets are available:

• Online on the NAC’s website: www.nac-cna.ca
• In person at the NAC Box Office
• At all Ticketmaster outlets*
• By telephone 1-888-991-2787*
  *A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster.

Groups of 10 or more contact grp@nac-cna.ca or visit www.nac-cna.ca

Find out more about the NAC English Theatre on Facebook and YouTube. To discover some fascinating facts about Tartuffe visit nac-cna.ca/englishtheatre.
 

Made possible in part by the NAC Foundation Donors’ Circle

Embassy Hotel & Suites is proud to be the Official Hotel Partner for the National Arts Centre English Theatre.

Ottawa Citizen is proud to be Media Partner for the Theatre Series.

 

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For information, please call:
Sean Fitzpatrick, Communications Officer, National Arts Centre English Theatre
613-947-7000 ext. 389; e-mail: sean.fitzpatrick@nac-cna.ca
or visit the NAC website at www.nac-cna.ca