The Government Inspector(1835)

According to the plot, a tiny town awaits the secret arrival of an official from the capital for an inspection mission. However, another man, who just happens to be in town and has just lost all his money at cards, is mistaken for the important person. But, the adventurer is in no hurry to dissuade the city's mayor from his mistake; on the contrary, he decides to use their services, accepts bribes and even plans to marry the mayor's daughter…

This play is one of the most important Russian comedies about corruption and sycophancy. It remains incredibly popular today and is performed on the stages of many theaters. The play has also been translated into several dozen languages.

Translated by Constance Garnett, Publisher Chatto & Windus, 1926