Passing inspection with distinction
An outstanding performance of an abridged version of ‘The Government Inspector’ by Nicolai Gogal was performed and adapted by Year 10 drama students in June to much applause.
The play tells the story of corrupt officials in a small Russian town who are terrified by the news of an incognito inspector about to arrive in their town. A flurry of activity to cover up their considerable misdeeds ensues – but is interrupted by a report that a suspicious person arrived two weeks previously from Saint Petersburg and is staying at the inn. That person, however, is not an inspector; it is Khlestakov, a foppish civil servant with a wild imagination.
Two Year 10 Drama classes divided the play into two halves; the first half performed by Ms Crittle’s class and the second half performed by Mr Colyer’s. The girls wore stylised, two-toned make up to enhance the sense of corruption in the characters and performed in an exaggerated physical style inspired by the Commedia dell’Arte. An audience of family, friends and teachers enjoyed the performance immensely.