Master of Arts, University of Akron, 2013, Theatre Arts

This thesis takes a close look at the process of adapting Molieres Tartuffe for the high school stage. The decisions regarding the use of rhyme verses prose, artistic liberties, casting considerations, and cuts are discussed in great detail. The paper also examines the history of Tartuffe translations and adaptations since it was first performed in 1664. Noted Moliere translators including Richard Wilbur, Donald Frame, Morris Bishop, and John Wood are discussed along with an examination of their methodologies. Modern translators of Tartuffe are also examined including Ranjit Bolt, Christopher Hampton and Prudence Steiner along with the choices they made when adapting Moliere for a modern audience.

Committee: James Slowiak (Advisor); Durand Pope (Committee Member); Maria Adamowicz-Hariasz (Committee Member) Subjects: Literature; Theater; Theater History; Theater Studies