More than two dozen New World School of the Arts college theatre students bring to the stage Nikolai Gogol’s classic Russian comedy The Government Inspector, a deeply silly satire of small-town corruption, which paints a riotous portrait of rampaging self-delusion. When the crooked leadership of a provincial village discovers that an undercover inspector is coming to root out their commonplace exploitation, the town weaves a web of bribery, lies, and utter madness. This wickedly smart adaptation by acclaimed playwright Jeffrey Hatcher is a hilarious reminder of the terrifying timelessness of bureaucracy and buffoonery.
“In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever that we learn to laugh, recognize the ridiculous, and use that understanding to create positive change,” said director James Samuel Randolph. “This play invites us to examine the foibles of the human condition and, afterward, find solutions.”
“What is exciting for our BFA program in theatre is that this style does not frequently appear in our seasons, yet it remains a cornerstone of the career of any actor, writer, or director moving forward,” explained Randolph about this selection. “Sixty percent of all performing careers rely on understanding comedic sensibilities, embracing the ridiculous, and landing jokes effectively. This makes the play not only valuable training for actors, but also a way for the audience to find the lighter side of the more difficult aspects of political systems at every level. The key to this is humor. Humor is not merely a collection of jokes; it is an element of human existence that allows people to survive day after day without taking rash action.”
“This performance is a culmination of all my training in this program. This role is physically and vocally demanding. I am singing, dancing, monologuing, laughing, and crying throughout the course of the two acts. Luckily, with the guidance of my professors and support of my peers, I can sustain the demands of this production. As an actor, I must use my training and imagination to make the world of the play jump off the page and into the audience’s mind,” noted Tristan Breaux, NWSA college junior in the leading role of “Hlestakov.”
NWSA college senior Jose Sanchez Coronado, in the role of “Osip” further highlights, “I’ve played many characters of a certain age and in service occupations in my studies here, but this is my first time playing one in a farce. The application of what I learned from playing realism in The Cherry Orchard and Little Women and translating that into the breakneck speed of this play is the challenge of this performance. Osip’s intelligence and experience combined with his station makes for an incredibly fun playground to explore, as he is surrounded by confused village idiots. The opportunity to explore such material with the support of such a clever director and cast is what really helps a student like me grow.”
Content Advisory: This production contains mature themes, adult language, theatrical haze, and flashing lights. Ages 12 and up.
Acting and musical theatre students at NWSA hone their craft through acting technique, movement, and speech classes, focusing on fundamentals of physical and emotional preparation. With performance at its core, training is based on the classical texts and the principles of drama as well as practical incursions into the contemporary and experimental edges of theatre. Consequently, alumni are found performing onstage nationally and internationally and their talent and vision are recognized and highly regarded in the industry. For information about the theatre program at New World School of the Arts please call 305-237-3541.
A Florida center of excellence in the visual and performing arts, New World School of the Arts is an educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College, and University of Florida. NWSA provides a comprehensive program of artistic, creative, and academic development through a curriculum that reflects our community and the rich multicultural state of Florida. Through our partners NWSA confers the high school diploma, Associate of Arts degree, and Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music college degrees in programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theatre and Art & Design. NWSA’s rigorous eight-year curriculum and conservatory-style teaching has empowered students in our community and our nation to become leaders in the arts for more three decades.
Information about New World School of the Arts at 305-237-3135 or nwsa.mdc.edu.
THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR
February 27 & March 6; 7:30 PM
February 28 & March 7; 2 PM & 7:30 PM
Louise O. Gerrits Theater
25 NE 2 Street, 8th Floor, Miami
General admission $12. Students and seniors $5