Performances were outlawed in Zombay.
-- Narrator (Act I, Scene I paragraph 28)

Importance: Of all the unusual and strange things in the novel so far (such as a witch with mechanical chicken legs) among the strangest and most unusual is that plays, performance, and theater in general are all outlawed in the City of Zombay. No reason is initially given for the fact that theater is outlawed in Zombay. However, it is a detail the reader should bear in mind as the plot of the novel unfolds, because performance will become central to events that are coming.

Goblins were putting on a play. Nobody could put on a play… Maybe he could see some of the show before they all got arrested.
-- Narrator (Act I, Scene II paragraph 59)

Importance: While out running an errand for Graba, and while crossing Fiddleway Bridge, Rownie discovers a sign tacked up by the goblins which advertises a performance. Rownie is stunned since theater is outlawed in Zombay. He can...