Theatre & Performance to present Nikoli Gogol’s ‘The Government Inspector’
The Theatre & Performance program at Georgia Southern University brings the fall semester to a close with Nikoli Gogol’s comic masterpiece The Government Inspector, November 12-19 in the Center of Art & Theatre’s Black Box Theatre. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening, and there is a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee.
The Government Inspector tells of an unfortunate case of mistaken identity that sends a Russian village spiraling into a world of panic and greed after locals learn that an undercover government inspector is coming for a surprise visit.
“The Government Inspector is as relevant a satire on immoral leadership as when it was written in 1836,” said Nicholas Newell, professor of theater and director of the performance. “When the corrupt government of a small town mistakes a down-on-his-luck gambler for the secret inspector sent to investigate them, there is no end to what they do to get on his good side. Gogol’s play is so funny that you almost forget what a scathing a social commentary it is. While the same abuse of power Gogol sought to expose and ridicule is alive in the world today, he still invites us to laugh at its expense.”
Vladimir Nabokov refers to Gogol’s play as “the greatest play written in the Russian language,” and this new adaptation by American playwright by Jeffery Hatcher gives the play a contemporary edge that highlights the timeless nature of this farcical roller coaster ride of bribes, seduction, and greed.
The cast of 25 introduces new faces to the Georgia Southern stage and includes audience favorites Greg Hernandez, Chryssie Lewis, Teundras Oaks, Matessia Murry, Alan Waters, Laura Henry and Brad Wells.
Student and youth tickets are $5; faculty, staff and community tickets are $10. All seating is general admission. The house opens at 7 p.m., and audience members are encouraged to arrive no later than 7:15 p.m. to ensure good seats. The balcony will serve as overflow seating. Call the Box Office at 912-478-5379 to make reservations. Reservation requests can be left on box office voicemail 24-hours a day. The box office is open 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday for ticket purchases and reopens at 6 p.m. on performance days.