Tartuffe

It is a rare comedy that can survive its own times; tastes in humor can change vastly across time and culture whereas tragic events are nearly universal. Molière’s Tartuffe, a 17th century French comedy about a religious hypocrite (Tartuffe) and his credulous follower (Orgon), has stood the test of time because of the way Molière combines wit, slapstick, psychological acumen, and elegant dramaturgy into a fast-paced package.

Tartuffe is one of Molière’s masterpieces. The play was first performed as a three-act comedy in May 1664, and was immediately denounced for supposedly ‘attacking’ religion through its portrayal of the pious titular hypocrite, Tartuffe. The religious zealots who objected to the play eventually persuaded King Louis XIV (who had actually enjoyed the play) to have it banned. Sadly, this was not the last time religious people would take exception to comedy (and comedy that isn’t even poking fun at religion at all, but rather foolish devotion to a charlatan and impostor).