Courtesy of Thomas Mundell

A satirical tale of corruption and political incompetence in a small village, “The Inspector,” was written in response to political corruption in contemporary Russia. To some, according to director Yura Kordonsky, the show may be relevant to American political events today.  

The story follows the cons and hijinks of a town rife with corruption, as its citizens attempt to hide their questionable activities from a visiting government inspector. These attempts don’t fully succeed, and when true intentions are revealed, the town is plunged into chaos. According to Kordonsky, his adaptation of Nikolai Gogol’s play strives to remain true to the play’s original themes while still being relatable for a modern audience. 

“We all watch the same news and read the same papers, and that collective sense shouldn’t be ignored,” Kordonsky said. “So in that regard, the parts that excite me most will be the parts that will [stay true to the original]. A lot of it is driven by hunch and by an emotional, intellectual and philosophical connection with the text.”

Kordonsky said that working on the Yale Repertory Theatre’s adaptation felt similarly to working on a new play. The text acts as a starting point, said Kordonsky, and the rehearsal room becomes a space of creation and experimentation. 

According to actress Annelise Lawson DRA ’16, the ensemble’s connection with each other and Kordonsky facilitated the experimental nature of Kordonsky’s creative processes. The cast members are all graduates of the David Geffen School of Drama. Lawson elaborated that this shared educational background gave the actors a “common language” that contributed to a comfortable and exploratory environment.

According to Lawson, Kordonsky’s expertise as a director also played a significant role in the development of community within the ensemble. 

“He’s sensitive and insightful and playful and irreverent in his vision,” Lawson said. “He’s a really lovely person, and he trusts his collaborators to know how to do their work and is curious about what they have to offer.” 

The resulting vision, according to castmates, is a satirical and nuanced story of corruption, community and the pursuit of happiness. Despite being written over 200 years ago, the work has continued to be a theatrical favorite for its representation of the absurdity of human nature. 

The comedic elements of the play don’t detract from the serious consequences of corruption, which the play centers on. Are repercussions limited to the individuals involved, or do its  negative influences permeate all crevices of society?

To actor Brandon E. Burton ART ’20, the answer is the latter.

“It’s the people that suffer. Even if the people in power are in some way punished, the long term effects of corruption affect the people,” said Burton. 

Burton finds this production to be deeply relevant, considering the modern political climate of the United States. However, the connections are not explicit, said Burton, and it remains the audience’s decision to see ties between the happenings on stage and their current social landscape. 

While some members of the production find hope and a morbid sense of humor in the show’s continued relevance, some said that they felt disappointed in the fact that these issues are still pertinent and unresolved today. 

Despite this, the play does not establish moral superiority. Within the morally gray actions of the characters, empathy is cultivated. For better or for worse, the actors said that they hope audience members will be able to empathize and identify with the characters. 

“[The characters] are just making a moment to moment decision that seems best for them,” said Lawson. “These people are scared and sometimes stupid and hopeful and aspiring for a good life. Sometimes good things happen when people move that way, and sometimes bad things happen.”

From the postmaster secretly peeking at people’s mails to a government official taking bribes, every character’s motivations are fleshed out and, to a certain degree, understandable. 

But while corruption is essential to human nature, so is the desire for love and community, the play argues.  

“Society is being destroyed constantly by corruption and lack of morals, but then there is this countering force of love and hope for a better life,” said Kordonsky.

A timeless piece, Kordonsky’s adaptation of “The Inspector” will be performed at the Yale Repertory Theatre March 7-29.