The Government Inspector

Pskov Academic Drama Theater named after A. S. Pushkin

New stage, Large Hall

“The Government Inspector,“ the most famous play in classical Russian drama, remains as relevant today as ever. Gogol wrote: “In 'The Government Inspector,' I decided to gather together all the evil in Russia that I knew then, all the injustices committed in those places and situations where justice is most demanded of a person, and to laugh at it all in one go.” Director Pyotr Shereshevsky, while barely altering the text of the play, which he set in the present day, sharply adjusted the familiar genre of „The Government Inspector.” His production is a unique hybrid of hyperrealism and mystical thriller, rising to a tragic note in the finale. The play contains a fair amount of social satire, contemporary tropes, film quotes, and popular memes, but these do not obscure the central message: selling your soul to the forces of evil is not at all difficult; you don't even have to sign in blood—and you won't even notice how you've lost what's most precious. A striking theatrical presentation, depth and multidimensionality of meaning, sharp scenic design, elegant set design, and an abundance of music—all this constitutes the new “Inspector General,“ which has already created a stir not only in Pskov but also attracted the attention of the entire Russian theater community. In the year of Eisenstein's anniversary, the creators of „Inspector General” are bringing to life his vision of filming theater: the play will be performed on stage, but is best seen on screen.

• Awards
• Daria Churaeva received the Golden Mask Award in the Drama/Best Supporting Actress category, 2020
• The play was nominated for the Golden Mask Award in the Drama/Large Form Performance category, 2020
• Pyotr Shereshevsky was nominated for the Golden Mask Award in the nomination “Drama/Best Director”, 2020.
• Evgeny Terskikh was nominated for the Golden Mask Award in the nomination “Drama/Best Actor”, 2020.
• Viktor Yakovlev was nominated for the Golden Mask Award in the nomination “Drama/Best Supporting Actor”, 2020.
• Laureate of the “Recognition” review-competition of the Pskov branch of the Union of Theater Workers of Russia based on the results of the 2018-2019 season.
• Participant in the All-Russian festival “Real Theater“ in Yekaterinburg, the festival „Autumn Marathon” in St. Petersburg.
• The performance was shown in Novorossiysk, Veliky Novgorod, Velikiye Luki, Astrakhan, Gorno-Altaisk.