'Tartuffe': New media for Moliere

McCarter's production of Moliere's play "Tartuffe" could have been a stuffy period piece, but instead it is a modernized and stylized interpretation of the classic.

"Tartuffe" is a comedy that satirizes hypocrites and the impious who profess their religious devotion. The play centers on Tartuffe, a cunning man who attempts to strip a well-to-do gentleman, Orgon, and his family of all their worth. He does so by being deceptively honest. By manipulating his speech, he manages to persuade Orgon of his infallible character even as he reveals his true self to the audience. The result is a witty yet surprisingly dark story that reveals the failings of the family unit.

McCarter's production, under the direction of Daniel Fish, is innovative and enlightening. It combines classical theatre and cinematography, of the modern world and France in the 17th century. It is certainly an attempt to pique the interest of today's modern audience by providing a strong connection to today's world.

The set, designed by John Conklin, reveals the dichotomy of the worlds held in this production: To the left, the stage is large, cavernous, modern, with high charcoal grey walls, low lighting and two large screens that project the filmed parts of the production. To the right is a small, enclosed bedroom, plush with soft furniture, ornaments, rich hues and warm lighting. While the left side of the stage is cold and barren, the right side is claustrophobic and sensual. For almost the entire production, the actors on the right side of the stage are being filmed, and their images are then projected simultaneously on the screens to the left.

Because there is a wall dividing the two sides of the stage, it is often impossible to see parts of the right side, and the audience is forced to rely upon the screens, rather than what is actually going on onstage. The actors at times even draw the curtains shut around them as they sit on the bed onstage, so that nothing would be seen without the aid of the camera.

Most of the actors start in costumes of the 17th century (designed by Kaye Voyce), but wind up in modern garb by the end of the play. The exception to all this is the cameraman, a young girl dressed sloppily in modern clothes, who looks like a stereotypical young arts student throughout the show.

In some ways, the production is a success: The camera's presence gives the audience a dual perspective. They are able to see the bigger picture in addition to being privy to the intimate, secretive nature of the play. "Tartuffe" is all about secrecy and eavesdropping, and the cinematography is a wonderful addition. We the audience feel, as we watch a private scene on screen, that we are observing something without the characters' awareness.

This production definitely has flaws. Because McCarter attempted so much, the production has several bothersome inconsistencies. Sometimes the actors watch the screens; at other times, they pretend the screens don't exist. Sometimes the actors appear to be in the 17th century, but sometimes they appear completely modern.

The performance is self-indulgent, at times going overboard in its attempts to imbue the audience with meaning. The modern cameraman and the man in the suit who sits silently merely observing the actors on the screens are both indications of this self-importance.

The acting in the production is mixed in quality, but two of the actors, Sally Wingert (Doreen) and Zach Grenier (Tartuffe) are outstanding. Wingert's strength lies in her ability with Moliere's language: Doreen has a clarity and a specificity to her speech that stands out on stage. Grenier, on the other hand, gives a very subtle performance full of rich complexities, especially when he is captured on camera.

Overall, the production is an educating experience. Yes, it may sometimes feel as though it is blaspheming one of Moliere's greatest works, but it is also creative and innovative in its approach. McCarter's production takes a big risk with this "Tartuffe." In some instances, it falls on its face, but it also creates a new dimension of theatre and brings a fresh perspective to a classic play.