Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director John Bell unites two of Australia's finest actors to bring to life a classic comedy of Russian theatre, Nikolai Gogol's The Government Inspector. Adapted by Roger Pulvers, acclaimed Australian actors Darren Gilshenan and William Zappa use their consummate skill and energy to play all 19 characters in this sharp and hilarious satire, with plenty of physical mayhem. A searing, wry take on small town politics, the local council at the centre of The Government Inspector is lazy, inefficient and inept – and horrified at the prospect of being exposed when they learn a government inspector is coming to town. But they mistake a down-at-heel playboy for the incoming official – and the games begin. A dazzling blend of farcical characters and all-too-real situations, Gogol's masterpiece has lost none of its bite in this adaption by Roger Pulvers. This is an unflinching send-up of institutional greed, stupidity and sloth.
The Government Inspector enjoyed seasons in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. It was invited to the Bogota Festival, Colombia and continues to generate strong interest from presenters worldwide.
A venue with a fly system or overhead rigging is required to stage this production. Several elements are operated through pulleys that are diverted overhead and operated by the show mechanist. A minimum grid height of 6m and a minimum stage dimension of 12m wide and 7.5m deep is required.
The set comprises a four walled cardboard box with roof sections. Two walls are opened by the actors and swing out on hinges built into the set. Additional props and staging items are used during the performance with a number of quick set changes within the closed box.
There is a 72 lighting rig with set practical’s and strobe lighting. A stereo FOH sound system is sufficient for the audio components that are operated by the Stage Manager via laptop and Cricket software.
The touring party is approx 7 including 5 crew and 2 actors. The production requires a full day bump-in with the show ready to perform the following day.
The running time is 1 hour, 45minutes. No interval.
Full technical specifications are available by contacting: mail@bellshakespeare.com.au
For further information please contact
Gill Perkins
PO Box 10
Millers Point NSW 2000
Australia
Telephone +61 2 8298 9000
bellshakespeare.com.au
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