Tartuffe or The Hypocrite

What happens when piety becomes a mask—and hypocrisy a weapon? In one of Molière’s most controversial and enduring comedies, Tartuffe tells the story of a wealthy man, Orgon, who falls under the spell of Tartuffe—a cunning imposter posing as a pious and humble devotee. Blinded by devotion, Orgon invites Tartuffe into his home, giving him influence, power, and even offering his daughter’s hand in marriage. But as Tartuffe’s web of deceit grows, the family must act before everything is lost. Banned after its first performances in 1664 for its bold critique of religious hypocrisy, Tartuffe remains startlingly relevant. With razor-sharp wit and masterful timing, Molière exposes how moral posturing can be used to manipulate, exploit, and control. A hilarious and biting satire, Tartuffe is a timeless warning against those who hide vice behind virtue.