The Government Inspector

The Government Inspector
Fall 2018

Modern take on 19th-century Russian farce explores themes of government bureaucracy, deception, and corruption

What happens when power falls into the hands of the worst possible people? And what will those people do to maintain control? In Russia in 1836, a small town is thrown into chaos when the crooked city council finds out an inspector is coming to check up on them. Corruption is exposed and hidden tensions bubble to the surface, erupting into a farcical and absurd disaster.

Nikolai Gogol—dubbed “the father of Russian realism”—explores rampant corruption and the power of greed in a hilarious comedy of errors in The Government Inspector. The modernized language of translator and adaptors Armina LaManna and David O'Connor used in this production highlights the parallels between Gogol's time and ours.

The Government Inspector, directed by guest faculty member Adrienne Mackey, opened the Bi-Co Theater Program’s 2018-19 season. Mackey, a guest faculty member, also serves as the artistic director of Swim Pony Performing Arts, a Philadelphia theater company. She noted, “The Government Inspector is a sharp and biting satire that takes aim at those in power. This modern adaptation is whip smart and resonates with today's political landscape in a way that will bring audiences to laugh and think in equal measure.”

THE CREATIVE TEAM 
Mark Lord, Producer
Adrienne Mackey, Director
Franny Mestrich (BMC '19), Assistant Director and Dramaturg
Maiko Matsushima, Set and Costume Designer
Lily Fossner, Lighting Designer
Heather Griffin (BMC '19) Master Electrician
Muthi Reed, Composer and Sound Designer
Nathan Merrill (HC '20), Sound Engineer
Kat Larson (BMC '19), Stage Manager
Johana Loh (BMC '21), Assistant Stage Manager
Justin McDaniel, Technical Director
Henry Bradford (HC '15), Assistant Technical Director
Amy Radbill, Production Manager and Props Designer
Cole Paff (BMC '19), Graphic Designer
Angela Dowdy, Arts Administrator

CAST
Sydney Ethen (BMC '22)
Felicia Grable (BMC '19)
Victoria Hartson (BMC '21)
Anna Hsu (BMC '22)
Katie Hughes (HC Exchange)
Leah Jarvik (HC '19)
Madeleine Kerno (BMC '22)
Emily Lobel (BMC '20)
Diya Patel (HC '21)
Saria Rosenhaj (BMC '21)
Kate Smokowicz (BMC '19)
Eliza Waterman (BMC '22)
Olivia Xing (BMC '20)