The Government Inspector

A satirical play by the Russian and Ukrainian dramatist and novelist Nikolai Gogol.

Far from the bustle of Moscow, a Mayor and his officials are a law unto themselves. Corruption is a way of life in the small town, the wily Mayor rules with an iron fist until the arrival of a fateful letter.

Meanwhile, two travellers at the frigid inn are shivering, penniless, and can barely negotiate a slice of bread. Fortunes however, are about to change…

The Government Inspector, a comedy by Nikolai Gogol set in 1800’s Russia is a tale of corruption, hubris and a delicate handling of the truth. Originally published in 1836.

Based upon an anecdote allegedly recounted to Gogol by Pushkin, the play is a comedy of errors, satirizing human greed, stupidity, and the extensive political corruption of Imperial Russia. The corrupt officials of a small Russian town, headed by the Mayor, react with terror to the news that an incognito inspector (the revizor) will soon be arriving in their town to investigate them. The flurry of activity to cover up their considerable misdeeds is interrupted by the report that a suspicious person has arrived two weeks previously from Saint Petersburg and is staying at the inn.

Performances over 2 weekends.

Thurs 15 Sep at 7.30pm
Fri 16 Sep at 7.30pm
Sat 17 Sep at 4.00pm
Sun 18 Sep at 4.00pm

Thurs 22 Sep at 7.30pm
Fri 23 Sep at 7.30pm
Sat 24 Sep at 4.00pm
Sun 25 Sep at 4.00pm

In Drama Christi Studio Theatre, behind carpark at Wesley Church, 75 Taranaki Street, Wellington.
Waged; $15         Unwaged; $10        Family; $45