Theatre South Carolina presents A Cabal of Hypocrites April 18-27, 2008 at Drayton Hall Theatre.

Directed by Robert Richmond, A Cabal of Hypocrites is a poignant commentary on censorship framed around the turbulent life of French playwright Molière. Molière has just produced the satirical play “Tartuffe,” much to the displeasure of Church officials, who conspire to ruin the author for what they deem as heretical thought.

Written in 1930 by Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov, “Cabal” was seen by the Stalin-led Soviet government as a dangerous criticism, and was itself censored, banned after only seven performances. Bulgakov’s best known work is “The Master and the Margarita,” a satirical critique of Soviet society. He wrote A Cabal of Hypocrites as a statement on censorship and the struggle for artistic freedom in a communist society.

“More than simply a biography about the rise and fall of Molière, or a dated commentary on the suppression of artists in 1930s Russia,” says Richmond, “A Cabal of Hypocrites serves as a reflection on the very fundamental American ideal of free speech.” Department Chair Jim Hunter adds, “The ominous presence of censorship is as present today as ever. A Cabal of Hypocrites tackles this very relevant topic in an entertaining, and insightful, theatrical journey.”

The cast is composed completely of theatre students, both undergraduate and graduate. The role of Moliere will be played by Nathan Bennett, a graduate theatre student. The staging will have the classical, 17th century feel of Moliere’s plays, but also is described as “dream-like and nightmarish.”

The costumes are being designed by Vanessa Streeter, a graduate theater student. They are in the French neo-classical style, but with highly stylistic alterations to reflect the play’s themes. “The director and I wanted to reflect the hypocrisy and degradation in the play visually through the costumes. So we used period silhouettes, but we added sheer materials so that the costumes can be seen through, just as the cabal’s hypocrisy can be seen through by the end of the play,” said Streeter.

Shows are 8 p.m Tuesday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $16 for the public; $14 for military, faculty and staff; and $10 for students.

Tickets can be purchased at the Longstreet Theatre box office or by calling 777-2551.