The Government Inspector tells of an unfortunate case of mistaken identity that sends a Russian village spiraling into a world of panic and greed after locals learn that an undercover government inspector is coming for a surprise visit.

“The Government Inspector is as relevant a satire on immoral leadership as when it was written in 1836,” said Nicholas Newell, professor of theater and director of the performance. “When the corrupt government of a small town mistakes a down-on-his-luck gambler for the secret inspector sent to investigate them, there is no end to what they do to get on his good side.