What do you get when you combine a 17thcentury play with vaudeville, jazz, and clowning? Utah Valley University’s School of the Arts presents Moliere’s “Tartuffe,” Sept. 5-11 at 6 p.m. in the UVU Courtyard.
“Tartuffe,” written in 1664, is overseen by UVU student director Cleveland McKay Nicoll. It is presented in the style of clowning, meaning the story will be told entirely through physicality and movement.
Audiences will enjoy a fast-paced, high-energy show inspired by vaudeville from the 1920s and ’30s. The performance is appropriate for all ages, and features jazz-age music, dancing, and possiblyeven some slapstick.
“’Tartuffe” is a French neoclassical play which is traditionally performed in the style of commedia dell'arte, a very physical performance style that originated in Italy in the early 16th century,” Nicoll said. “Clowning, which is usually a nonverbal performance, was heavily influenced by commedia from then on. By putting the show in the style of physical clowning, I felt like I was staying true to the tradition of “Tartuffe” and how it should be performed.”
The cast will be using their bodies and instruments to communicate. No words will be spoken.
“The show would not stand without the ingenuity the actors bring to every rehearsal,” Nicoll said.
To purchase advance tickets, visit: uvu.universitytickets.com or Campus Connection. Tickets will also be available at the venue.
University Marketing &Communications
Scott Trotter
801-863-6807 | scott.trotter@uvu.edu
Barb Smith
801-863-5274 | Barbara.Smith@uvu.edu
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At 37,282 students and growing, Utah Valley University is the largest public university in the state of Utah, and one of a few in the nation offering a dual-mission model that combines the rigor and richness of a first-rate teaching university with the openness and vocational programs of a community college. UVU’s unique model, which focuses on student success, engaged learning, rigorous academic programs, and faculty-mentored research, is transforming higher education by making it more affordable and accessible to students of all backgrounds.