Popular Russian play Jamaicanised

The Inspector General is a satirical play by Nikolai Gogol, Russian playwright and novelist. Originally published in 1836, and based on a tale of a small town facing inspection from an elusive government official, the play is a comedy of errors, satirising human greed, stupidity, and the extensive political corruption of Imperial Russia.

Since then, it has been adapted by many to appeal to audiences worldwide. The latest adaptation by William F. Lampert, lecturer at the Edna Manley College School of Drama (SODr), was creatively done to appeal to a Jamaican audience and if the patrons' responses are any indication of that appreciation, it is fair to say that the cultural tweaking was thoroughly enjoyed.

The plot follows a major in Montego Bay (played by Damion Radcliffe, the sole alumnus among current SODr students) who, having discovered that his administration will be reviewed by an Inspector General from Kingston, worries about the security of his job and the influence it affords him. He frantically urges his heads of staff at the hospital, school and post office, as well as the judge at the local courthouse, to transform the town into a state of perfection in time for the inspector's arrival.

Having no certainty of when he will show up or the duration of his stay, speculation is rife among the public officials and soon they convince themselves that the lone (seemingly important) stranger spotted in the local hotel is indeed the Inspector General. It is Peter Toady and Patsy Lardy (local proprietors played by Nicolas Amore and Kamile Smith, respectively) who mistakenly confirm that Alexander Fox (played by Ackeem Poyser) is the highly anticipated official.

Hilarious

Fox possesses the charm of a womaniser, the wit of a politician and the luck of an Irish, because he is able to swindle cash from the town folk and propose marriage to the mayor's daughter, (played by Justeen Webb) and leave quite an impression on the major's wife (Nadett Grant). He masquerades himself as this inspector, enjoys the bribes offered, free accommodation, makes empty promises and manages to leave town with a fat pocket, and his fake identity in check. It is only after his escape when the real inspector general comes knocking that the mayor and his public servants realise that they were taken for a ride.

The play, though hilarious from start to end, mainly because of its expressionist approach and a sea of dramatic irony, delivers a strong message about corruption in politics and the damning effects of power.

It suggests that a taste of authority whets one appetite and creates a hunger for all the wealth, clout and loyal subjects that come along with it. Even though the play was written decades ago and in European context, its themes remain relevant to today's society, and Lampert's attempt to make it more relatable to a local theatre audience helped to emphasise this point.

Much can be said about the execution of the production, but of note is the appropriate selection of the cast. Radcliffe, Poyser and Amore, in particular, performed commendably, handling fast-paced, often confrontational dialogue with ease and showing true commitment to their respective roles through convincing acting.

The play ran for two weekends, November 4-6 and 11-13, at the Dennis Scott Studio Theatre.