Director Shane Bosher definitely makes some waves as he plunges into the pristine space of Q Theatre with a raunchy adaptation of Moliere's 17th century satire against religious hypocrisy.
The extravagant production has exquisitely costumed actors tumbling in and out of a real swimming pool, the centrepiece of designer John Verryt's brilliantly conceived riff on the garish excesses of Auckland's nouveau riche.
The original play was considered so dangerous that it was banned by ecclesiastical authorities.
These days, attacks on organised religion are likely to be rewarded with an arts council grant rather than being threatened with ex-communication and to keep the drama relevant Australian playwright Louise Fox has cleverly re-directed the satire on to the gullible victims of spiritual chicanery.
The adaptation respects the mannered form of Moliere's comedy with its strange combination of intricate wordplay, slapstick buffoonery and outrageously over-the-top characterisations. It's a style that requires finely balanced performances and several members of the cast rise to the challenge.
