GOGOL-THE INSPECTOR GENERAL

Considered the high point of Gogol's writing for the stage and a masterpiece of dramatic satire The Inspector General skewers the stupidity greed and venality of Russian provincial officials. When it is announced that the Inspector General is coming to visit incognito Anton the chief of police hastens to clean up the town before his arrival. Local officials scurry to hide evidence of bribe-taking and other misdeeds setting the stage for the arrival from St. Petersburg of Ivan a penurious gambler and rake who is promptly taken by the townspeople to be the dreaded Inspector General. Ivan and his servant Osip soon take advantage of the situation with hilarious results. First performed in 1836 the play transcends regional and national boundaries to offer a biting highly entertaining glimpse of universal human foibles and failings.