"THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR WITH A SEQUEL"
Gogol's "The Government Inspector" is a landmark play for the Alexandrinsky Theatre: it was on this stage that the world premiere of this production of one of the legendary works of Russian classical literature took place. Nikolai Gogol himself participated in the preparation of the play, which premiered on April 19, 1936. Since then, this literary work has acquired the status of a "state play," remaining relevant regardless of changes in the country's political course and economic structure. In a modern context, the play reveals new facets of its content.
"The Government Inspector" also played a special role in the creative career of director Valery Fokin. His production of "The Inspector General with a Sequel" will be the 11th stage version of N.V. Gogol's immortal comedy, and the director's fourth turn to the play. Valery Fokin is deservedly considered one of the most brilliant and daring interpreters of Gogol's literary legacy, particularly "The Government Inspector": his version of the play remained a favorite among audiences for fifteen seasons, both on its home stage and on tour in Russia and abroad. The production's final performance took place in June 2018, and today, one of the most important plays of the 21st century is receiving a new interpretation befitting its era. Notably, many of the actors from the previous production will be featured in the production.
In the role of Khlestakov, audiences will see Tikhon Zhiznevsky, whose multifaceted talent shines through both dramatic acting and popular film roles like Major Grom. The role of the Mayor, as in the 2002 production, will be played by People's Artist of Russia and State Prize laureate Sergei Parshin. Director Fokin's work features unconventional approaches, bold parallels, challenging questions, and witty stage directions. As in Russian reality, the new production will blend ideas and genres, with light, almost vaudevillian humor morphing into drama, and the aesthetics of classical theater resonating with unusual relevance.
"The Government Inspector" also played a special role in the creative career of director Valery Fokin. His production of "The Inspector General with a Sequel" will be the 11th stage version of N.V. Gogol's immortal comedy, and the director's fourth turn to the play. Valery Fokin is deservedly considered one of the most brilliant and daring interpreters of Gogol's literary legacy, particularly "The Government Inspector": his version of the play remained a favorite among audiences for fifteen seasons, both on its home stage and on tour in Russia and abroad. The production's final performance took place in June 2018, and today, one of the most important plays of the 21st century is receiving a new interpretation befitting its era. Notably, many of the actors from the previous production will be featured in the production.
In the role of Khlestakov, audiences will see Tikhon Zhiznevsky, whose multifaceted talent shines through both dramatic acting and popular film roles like Major Grom. The role of the Mayor, as in the 2002 production, will be played by People's Artist of Russia and State Prize laureate Sergei Parshin. Director Fokin's work features unconventional approaches, bold parallels, challenging questions, and witty stage directions. As in Russian reality, the new production will blend ideas and genres, with light, almost vaudevillian humor morphing into drama, and the aesthetics of classical theater resonating with unusual relevance.
