The Inspector General

this play is not really laugh out loud material, but one can easily see how such absurd and dramtically ironic situations have worked their way into modern film/literature/plays. the comedy is sort of 19th century slapstick, which doesnt really entertain and delight...but what i found so priceless about this play was the universally shallow character of the cast....especially considering they are nearly all government officials. the very people who are supposed to selflessly "protect and serve" the people, are revealed as self-serving idiots who are only concerned with protecting themselves. i could see this making an excellent play with the right actors.

The contemporary American reader can almost visualize this one as a Jim Carrey movie: a case of mistaken identity causes red carpets to be rolled out for a character whom the narrator calls a "flunkie." The expected hilarity of course ensues, with every petty government official seeking to impress the person they think is the Inspector General. Yes, we have seen this plot many times before, even before Gogol's time, but Gogol does it especially well. Perhaps this is sociopolitical satire, perhaps it's just humor, and perhaps it's a little of both. In any case, you don't have to be interested in Russian literature nor in politics to find this short piece hilarious.

In Gogol's time in Russia corruption was found in every arm of the government. Petty bureaucrats often pocketed money that was intended for public works. The play exposes backwater greed and corruption by showing how thoroughly ingrained bribery and lobbying are in to the culture of smalltime government officials. The plot of the play is quite ingenious. Khlestakov, a clerk of some sort, but on the whole an entirely unimportant person in the government, is in town at the tavern. He's on the verge of getting kicked out since he's rung up a huge bill. Just when he's thinks all's lost the Lord provost shows up, pays his bill and start treating him like he's the cat's pajamas. Slowly Khlestakov realizes that the towns people think he's an all important Government Inspector and are desperate to bribe wine and dine him so he gives a good report to Petersburg. This play is a critical social statement about corruption told though the humorous device of a farce. By making light of the faults of our leaders we may be able to raise awareness of the problem of corruption and effect measures that will lead to change.

This was a fun play to read. I highly recommend it to anyone, especially if you're into Russian literature. Enjoy!

I performed this play and i must say that it is wonderful!