Theaterian brings Molière’s satirical classic ‘Tartuffe’ to the stage

Theaterian is set to stage its second production, "Tartuffe", a sharp satirical comedy by French playwright Molière, continuing the group's commitment to intellectually driven theatre that challenges hypocrisy and blind faith.

Founded in 2020 by a group of theatre practitioners, Theaterian made a strong debut two years later with its first production, "Death of a Salesman", which received critical praise. With "Tartuffe", the group now turns to classical satire with contemporary resonance.

The opening performance will take place on Thursday, January 8, at 7:30pm at the Experimental Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Two additional shows are scheduled for Friday, January 9, at 5:00pm and again at 7:30pm at the same venue.

Written by Molière, "Tartuffe" is a bold and witty critique of religious hypocrisy, deception, and unquestioning belief. The play centres on Orgon, a wealthy man who blindly trusts Tartuffe, a fraudulent holy man. Exploiting Orgon's devotion, Tartuffe secures shelter in his household and gradually attempts to seize control of both his property and family. The narrative ultimately exposes Tartuffe's true nature, revealing the dangers of moral blindness and misplaced faith.

The play has been translated into Bangla by Loknath Bhattacharya. Direction, along with set and lighting design, is by Dhiman Chandra Barman, a faculty member of the Department of Drama at Rabindra Srijan Kala University. According to the director, the production aims to offer theatre audiences a thoughtful yet entertaining satirical experience that remains strikingly relevant today.

Assistant direction and music design are handled by Jadid Imtiaz Ahmed (Siam), a former student of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Dhaka. Costume design is by Polly Chowdhury.

The cast includes Amirul Mamun, Abdul Hai, Polly Chowdhury, Sumaiya Binte Zaman, Fahmida Shammi, Sourav Debnath, Hasibul Islam, Sabiha Hossain Afrin, Srikanto Mondol, Rahul Mondol, Nasif Ahmed Nipom, and Mahmudur Rahman Bijoy, who collectively bring the satire's layered characters to life.

With its focus on deception, power, and moral authority, "Tartuffe" promises to be a timely theatrical intervention—one that uses classical comedy to confront enduring social anxieties.