The World Premiere of Father Tartuffe: An Indigenous Misadventure, co-presented with Touchstone Theatre, is onstage at The Arts Club Theatre Company’s Granville Island Stage until March 24th. Written by Herbie Barnes and co-Directed by by Touchstone’s Artistic Director Roy Surette and Quelemia Sparrow, who also stars, Father Tartuffe is a Canadian adaptation of Molière’s 17th-century comedy, Tartuffe or The Imposter.
The comedy is set on The Rez outside of Montreal in the lead up to EXPO 67, and Canada’s Centennial, patriarch Orin returns home from his well-paying Government job which provides well for his family; Matriarch (played by Marshall Vielle), son Dennis (Braiden Houle), daughter Maryanne (Danica Charlie), her Metis boyfriend Valant (Frankie Cottrell). Co-director Quelemia Sparrow plays Orin’s second-wife Elise who’s opinionated sister Darlene (Samantha Alexandra) also lives with the family filling their larger than large house, by Set Designer, Ted Roberts. Orin’s Mother (Marshall Vielle) stops by as does Orin’s best friend “Aunt” Cathy (Cheri Maracle). The tranquility of the well-to-do household is in disarray due to Orin’s new friend, Father Tartuffe (Aidan Correia), a supposed man of the cloth, who has Orin and his Mother completely under his spell. In Orin’s quest to be as good as the “White Man” he is besotted by the teachings of the Father, much to the consternation of the rest of the family. Throughout the 90 minute production, the conflict lends itself to comedy and conversation.
Setting Father Tartuffe in the 60s allows writer Herbie Barnes to incorporate a pivotal time in Indigenous and Canadian history; just years after Indians gained the right to vote, and whilst Canada was gearing up for its biggest party. The period allows Barnes to incorporate commentary on Status Indians, Culture, Two-Spirit, Voting, Residential Schools, Traditions, Religion, The Crown and much more. Amongst the political satire, the sexual revolution brings itself to the fore with some wacky sixties-style physical comedy.
With a traditional welcome from Coastal Wolf Pack, the audience appeared attentive and firmly onside with the World Premiere performance. Be one of the first to see this adaptation of the classic comedy with an Indigenous-Canadian twist as Father Tartuffe: An Indigenous Misadventure continues at The Arts Club Granville Island Stage until March 24, 2024. Find show details and tickets online at artsclub.com