About the Play

Debut Performance - 2022/23

Tartuffe, Kiss My Ass! debuted in 2023 as part of the Muhlenberg College Co-Lab productions led by Professor Nigel Semaj. Written by Joey Marcacci, this new work was derived from the original play Tartuffe by Moliére. Debuting in 1664, Tartuffe was a comedy that focused on religious hypocrisy during the early years of the Enlightenment Era in France. It was met with strong opposition, as Moliére wasn’t afraid to push boundaries when it came to pointing out clear insincerity with religion being used as a means of governing.

Inspired by the guts Moliére possessed in a time of expressive restriction and absolutism, Joey wrote Tartuffe, Kiss My Ass! exploring modern day imposters, the idea of ‘inferiority’, and what it means to disguise it. For the adaptation, in addition to the original text, he drew inspiration from commedia dell’arte, clowning, burlesque, vaudeville, and ballroom culture.

New York City - 2026

After a long process of re-writes and read-throughs, Tartuffe, Kiss My Ass! was extended to a full-length play. The same inspirations remained, however new questions arose and fresh ideas on how to go about exploring them, both in the text and in rehearsals. Cast with the intent of continuing to explore and devise the work, rehearsals with the cast began in early April. Now, almost three years after the debut, the play premieres in NYC on May 15th!