Anna Panayotova played a key role in the grand theatrical production of The Government Inspector (Revizor) at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, directed by Marius Kurkinski in 2011. As the costume designer, she created the entire visual concept for the characters, blending classical theatrical approaches with modern aesthetic solutions. Her designs not only dressed the characters but also highlighted their social hierarchy and psychological traits, perfectly fitting into the grotesque world of Gogol’s satire.

Her meticulous attention to detail and symbolism is particularly evident in the contrast between the characters—from the lavish, pretentious costumes of the high-ranking officials to the more restrained but equally meaningful designs for the con artists. This concept not only enhances the dramatic effect but also contributes to the overall visual identity of the performance.

Even more striking is her contribution to the official poster of the production. Panayotova took an unconventional artistic approach—rather than depicting the main characters separately, she created an entirely new, non-existent face. Through digital manipulation, she merged the features of the two leading actors—Marius Kurkinski (as the Mayor) and Vladimir Karamazov (as Khlestakov)—forming a completely new, hybrid visage.

This approach was far from random; it symbolized the central theme of The Government Inspector—duality, deception, and the masks people wear in society. The face on the poster is neither of the two actors yet simultaneously both, creating a perfect theatrical illusion. In this visual paradox, Panayotova captured the essence of Gogol’s comedy—the idea that nothing is as it seems and that deception can be more convincing than reality itself.

Through her work on The Government Inspector, Anna Panayotova did not merely design costumes and a poster—she crafted a complete visual concept that deeply resonated with the themes of the play. Her signature style, seamlessly blending classical tradition with modern interpretation, made the production not only a theatrical but also a visually unforgettable event, leaving a lasting mark in the history of the National Theatre.