Tartuffe

Tartuffe, by Molière
Translation by Ranjit Bolt
The University of Vermont
Directed by Sarah Carleton
Sound Design: Abra Clawson
Lighting Design: John Forbes
Set Design: Jeff Modreger
Costume Design: Martin Thaler
Pictured: Keaton Harper (Cleante), Ray Gillies (Orgon), Emma Cashman (Dorine)

In Moliere’s Tartuffe, conflict arises in Orgon’s household with the growing power of Tartuffe, a religious hypocrite who has gained Orgon’s trust and affection. Everyone else in the household can see that their guest is a phony, and they devise a trap to remove him from their lives for good. The University of Vermont’s Tartuffe was set in a modern world, inspired by the 1950’s. The director requested transition music that was “upbeat and hip,” but which also showed off the family as upper-class. As such, the music flowing through the home of the protagonists was upbeat upbeat electric swing and jazz. These choices fulfilled the need to add to the world of the play, and also keep up its fast pace and chaotic energy.

For this play, I worked with the University’s already-installed sound system, and added one additional speaker Upstage Right for a police siren at the end of the play. Five area mics were installed on the set in order to provide reinforcement for actors as they moved through the space.

Transition cues were created using pre-recorded music, edited and looped in order to allow time for the transition. As the play progressed, they became more hectic in order to follow the energy and confusion onstage. Preshow music set the scene with all instrumental, softer jazz or swing music which had some elements of electronic music thrown in, to a lesser extent than the music used in transitions. Intermission music included songs with lyrics, once again remaining in the world of Tartuffe but slightly separate from music used within the show. 

A full inspiration playlist which includes (but is not limited to) songs used during preshow, intermission, and within the show can be found here.