This production of Gogol's "Government Inspector" is the tenth in a line in the history of Alexandrinsky Theatre. The comedy had its premiere there in 1836 and the author himself was involved in the preparations for the performance. Tzar Nicholas I was present at the premiere on 19th April, "he laughed a lot" and he openly admitted that everybody got their share, and he perhaps the largest one. The "governmental drama" became the most frequently staged play in Russian theatre.
Valerij Fokin: "I fell under Gogol's spell long ago in my early childhood, absolutely and forever. I love him, he represents an important part of our lives and indeed a kind of encyclopaedia of Russian life. While working on 'The Government Inspector' I experienced both joy and fear. It was no coincidence that Mejerchold said the director had to pay extra money to be able to stage this play."
(by Valerij Fokin)