The Washington University Opera, led by director Jolly Stewart, will present Kirke Mechem’s highly acclaimed operatic setting of Molière’s classic comedy “Tartuffe” at 8 p.m. March 23-24 at Edison Theatre. Performances are presented by the Department of Music in Arts & Sciences.
Written in 1664, “Tartuffe” is set in the house of Orgon, a wealthy Parisian who befriends the titular character, a corrupt and hypocritical “holy man.” Though Orgon’s family — wife, Elmire; son, Damis; and daughter, Mariane — are not impressed by Tartuffe’s pious charades, Orgon trusts the man absolutely and orders Mariane to break with her fiancé, Valere, and marry Tartuffe.
After a series of farcical intrigues, events come to a head when Tartuffe’s lust for Elmire finally reveals him as a scoundrel. Unfortunately, by that time Orgon has already entrusted Tartuffe with the deed to his home, and Tartuffe, in a traitorous rage, orders the family out.
Mechem’s setting of “Tartuffe” — for which he also wrote the English libretto — was premiered in 1980 by the San Francisco Opera’s American Opera Project. It has become one of the most popular works of contemporary American opera, receiving more than 70 productions across Europe and the United States. The San Francisco Chronicle described it as “a brilliant jewel, a delicious hit, right on the mark.”
Molière (1622-1673) is considered the finest writer of French comedy. He began his career as an actor touring the provinces but later owned a Paris theater, where he both acted and worked as a playwright, and subsequently moved to the Théâtre du Palais-Royal. Though “Tartuffe” remains one of his most enduring works, it was twice held back from production because of its perceived satire of the clergy.
Indeed, Mechem, in his notes about the play, wrote: “There are really two ‘Tartuffes’ by Molière — the three-act comedy he originally wrote, and the five-act comic morality play he was forced to make of it in order to get it past the censors. Unfortunately, we have only the latter, but evidence suggests that the first version was a straight satire of human character.”
Mechem, a native of Topeka, Kan., studied at Stanford and Harvard universities and spent several years in Vienna, Austria, before settling in San Francisco, where he still resides. He has written numerous choral works as well as two additional operas: “John Brown,” which will premiere at Lyric Opera of Kansas City in 2008; and “The Newport Rivals,” which will premiere this year at Lyric Opera San Diego. His many honors include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Opera Association.
John Stewart, director of vocal activities in music, conducts the Washington University Opera performance, which also features the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. Sets and lighting are by Patrick Huber, with costumes by Teresa Doggett.
The cast of 12 is led by Scott Levin as Tartuffe, Nathan Ruggles as Orgon, Debra Hillabrand as Elmire, Clark Sturdevant as Damis and Rachelle Shields as Mariane.
Tickets are $18; $12 for seniors, faculty and staff; and $7 for students. For more information, call 935-6543.