Whenever a controversy breaks out, there is usually an audience eager to observe. This is true for all kinds of controversies — even those derived from fictional stories.

Namely, stories such as Moliere’s French classic, “Tartuffe.”

The comedy was banned twice by French authorities when it was first shown in 1664 because of its harsh depiction of religious hypocrisy. Audiences were immediately attracted to the show and have remained interested since.

Though the issues that were introduced in Moliere’s play may not be controversial by today’s standards, it has retained the same entertainment value that made it a hit in the 1600s.

Tonight, the play will be performed by The Acting Company, a national touring company devoted to sharing classical theater with various communities.

The play starts out with a relationship between the ruthless hypocrite, Tartuffe, and his wealthy but shallow victim, Orgon.

Tartuffe pretends to be a member of the clergy, prompting Orgon to invite him to stay at his home. Though both Orgon and his mother believe Tartuffe will be a good, pious example for the other members of the family because of his clergy status, Orgon’s family can see right through Tartuffe’s lies.

Later on, Orgon decides his daughter Mariane, who is in love with a man named Valere, shall marry Tartuffe. Soon after, Orgon’s wife, Elmire, begs Tartuffe to refuse Mariane’s hand in marriage.

Instead of getting a straight answer from Tartuffe, the hypocrite attempts to seduce her.

As the plot continues, Tartuffe does more and more scheming but to no avail. In the end, he is caught in the act of deception and must give an answer for his schemes.

One of the reasons this play prompted such a controversy when it was premiered was the fact that it made members of the clergy (Tartuffe) appear to have criminal, deceptive instincts.

Luckily for the audience, The Acting Company has sincere instincts.

The company’s main purpose is to present classical plays to a variety of audiences and as part of its activities, seeks to offer workshops to schools, colleges and civic groups.

With these workshops, the company seeks to connect the language of theater to classrooms at every level of education and build a new audience for the classics.

While the company is in Ames, it will give a performance of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” at Ames High School.

For the past 26 years, the company’s outreach techniques have certainly been working. Throughout its existence, The Acting Company has performed 75 plays for over 2 million people in 47 states and seven foreign countries.

Tonight, “Tartuffe” will be performed at 7:30 in Stephens Auditorium. Tickets are $12.50, $10 and $7.50 for students.