Birmingham Rep has announced that following a smash-hit run in the RSC in 2019, the acclaimed and updated RSC production of Moliere’s classic Tartuffe will transfer to its spiritual home at the Rep this autumn, running from 14 October – 5 November.
This new version of Molière’s provocative French classic comedy tells the story of charismatic chameleon Tahir Taufiq Arsuf, a Rasputin for the 21st Century.
Birmingham born Rep Associate Director Iqbal Khan, who directed the spectacular Opening Ceremony for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games last night, will direct. The new version is adapted by by BAFTA and Emmy Award-winning writers, Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto (The Office, Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at No.42, Citizen Khan), the new production is set in the Pakistani-Muslim community of Birmingham’s Sparkhill and famous Stratford Road. Casting will be announced soon.
Sean Foley, Artistic Director of Birmingham Rep said, ‘To finally be able to bring Tartuffe, Moliere’s superb comedy about a conman, to The Rep stage, in Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto’s sparklingly funny new version is a real joy. It was to be the first main stage show under my Artistic Directorship in March ’20, so I can’t wait for it to finally be shared with Birmingham audiences in celebration of both The REP’s 50th Anniversary year in Centenary Square and of Moliere’s 400th.’
Tartuffe has the gift of the gab. A spirituality. A certain aura about him that comes only when you claim to have Allah on your side, hundreds of Twitter followers and access to the family’s bank account.
Produced by Birmingham Rep, originally produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
