TWO bright, very funny and highly relevant French comedies will be presented by final-year students on the BA writing, directing and performance course at the University of York’s department of theatre, film and television, at Heslington East, in repertory between March 9 and 11.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Paris underwent significant change and growth, finally coming into its own and establishing itself as both a national and continental powerhouse. During this period, two of France’s finest playwrights were flexing their satirical wit in the face of the city’s aristocracy, Pierre Corneille and Alain-Rene Lesage both poking fun at the city’s numerous social foibles in the biting social critique of 1644's The Liar and 1709's Turcaret respectively.

In The Liar, Paris is changing and lying is the fashion. Dorante, newly returned to the capital, is out for adventure, ready to make his name through charm, charisma and elaborate lies in Corneille's fast-paced ride through a chaotic world where truth takes a back seat.

Translated by Ranjit Bolt, this twisting tale of deceit and extravagance explores a trickster’s journey to finding love, juggling the expectations of his father, suitors, and an increasingly baffled servant. Through projection and creative set design, the York students weave elements of illusion and deception into the performance.

Money can't buy happiness, the saying goes, but this is not the case for Monsieur Turcaret in Lesage’s comedy Turcaret. In times of economic hardship, this man is playing a risky game at the whole of France’s expense. At the height of his financial power, he is also looking to satisfy his appetite for love, but he is not alone in this regard. Throw in a far from chivalrous chevalier and several scheming servants out for their own gain, and the stage is set.

Using John Norman’s 1989 translation as the foundation, this new production brings Lesage’s sharp satire sweeping into the modern era in a vibrant and playful attack on those who exploit money and the trust of others for vast personal gain.

The Liar will be performed on March 10 at 7.30pm and March 11 at 2.30pm; Turcaret on March 9 and 11 at 7.30pm. Box office: 01904 32 5220 or at tftv.ticketsolve.com/#/shows