Nikolai Gogol's play THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR (1836), a satirical and comic expose of imperialist Russia remains an eminently adaptable play given its overarching themes of inequality, servility and corruption. There have been various adaptations, including the film The Inspector General (1949). Akvarious productions in collaboration with the NCPA mounted its distinct version for the NCPA Centrestage festival in 2014.
The play has been adapted and directed by Akarsh Khurana. In its staging, it may lack the subtlety and the sub textual nuances of the original but then Akvarious is anything but subtle. It's a group that wears its theatre on its sleeves and has never been shy of entertaining, first and foremost. In this instance, it more than satisfies this prerequisite. Using a 'play within a play' device of the action that takes place onstage in parallel with what happens with the actors backstage and between scenes, complete with Hindi film references and in-house theatre jokes, Akarsh Khurana has cleverly adapted the classic. His actors join hands to make this venture hugely funny and amusing. The actors stand out and most of them are terrific in their parts. Some of them play more than one role.
Siddharth Kumar who plays the ''Kotwal'', ''Paatre'' and ''Robert'' makes a merry introduction strumming his guitar. Kashin Shetty is the fast-talking, anxious mayor (''chaudhary'') who is at his wits end when he learns that an incognito government inspector has arrived to report about his village. Equally psyched-up about the visit are the Judge, played by Adhir Bhat, Principal Pradhaan, played by Shikha Talsania and Dr Vaid played by Dilshad Edibam Khurana. Shikha Talsania and Dilshad Edibam Khurana double up as the mayor's daughter and wife, who are both flirtatious and try to outdo one another. The mayor's sidekicks ''Aplam'' and ''Chaplam'' are hilariously played by Amey Wagh and Hussain Dalal. Hussain Dalal also doubles as ''Raju'' the mayor's household servant and the waiter. The 'government inspector' has taken a twist in Khurana's version - ''Nawab'' played by Adhaar Khurana is a larcenist on the run. Devina Kapoor plays the production girl - a role that could have been better explored by Akarsh Khurana in his adaptation.
There is great synergy between the actors and the production sets off on a good pace. It's clearly an actor-oriented production and just as it gains from this advantage, there is the disadvantage too of losing the essential text with all the foolery that takes its toll in the second act. The text becomes ancillary and what remains is its kernel - which may or may not be a bad thing, depending on your viewing of the play. On its own, it is appealing for its actor-characters and the fun ride you take with them. They keep you absorbed enough with their predicament and antics.
Another notable thing about this production is the costumes. Designed by Akarsh Khurana and Naresh Amre, the medley of bright colours enhances the characters' personas as a 'type' and works as well for the absurdity and the comicality of the situation. There is thought that has been invested in this decision.
See the play for its own sake, in its adapted avatar, and you are in for a mirthful evening. Perhaps you may even admit that the small Russian town, central to Gogol's farce, with its coterie of self-serving officials, is not so remote after all.
