Go see The Government Inspector

By JENNIFER THUNCHER 

Studio 58, Langara’s professional theatre program, is presenting TheGovernment Inspector from Nov. 15 – Dec. 2.

Adapted from the Russian classic by writer Nikolai Gogol, the play promises to be a hilarious jab at government institutions and the people who run them.

It is a play from long ago and far away, but is still fresh and relevant for audiences of all ages today.

Starring Langara alumnus Joel Wirkkunen as the mayor, and a talented student cast, the play portrays an imperial Russian village in the early 1800s.  The town and its bumbling leaders are thrown into hysterical panic when it is learned a government inspector is coming to visit.

Director David Mackay, says the play is based on mistaken identity which is a “tried and true” comedic formula.  “I mean The Simpsons still do that today,” he said.

Mackay credits Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of the play with infusing it with jokes that keep it relevant.

Audiences will also recognize the public’s distrust of authority that has been a part of society since Roman times. “It is older, it is fresh and it is funny,” said Mackay.

Mackay sites the period costumes, by Mara Gottler, and the exacting sets, by Pam Johnson as inspiring the actors, with the “grace and comedy” of the piece.

Stephanie Izsak, 26, plays the governor’s wife, Anna Andreyevna.

Her three costume changes, Izsak said, are “helpful to give a sense of time and place.” Putting on a crinoline and the elaborate gowns changes the way she stands and moves. “My posture immediately changes. I am so jealous of that time, so beautiful, so decadent,” Izsak said. 

A brave and confident actor, Izsak is sure to win over audiences. From rehearsal footage it is clear she is a woman who is comfortable in her own skin and with her sexuality. She tackles the sometimes outrageously flirtatious Anna Andreyevna with ease while grounding her with a sense of humanity. Her character is vain and flirtatious, but Izsak sees reasons behind this behavior. 

“She wants so badly to be decadent, impressive, and wonderful … to leave that awful town,” said Izsak. The longer you look at the comedy of the play and its characters the more you see sadness and longing that “make the show,” she said.

The Government Inspector officially opens Nov. 17, with free student nights Nov. 15 and 16. Shows start at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with a 3 p.m. matinee Saturdays and Sundays (except Nov. 17).  Tickets are available through ticketstonight.ca.

thuncher@shaw.ca