examine the theatrical elements evident in act 1 scene 1

The beginning is rather comical and farcical. The mayor announces to the Warden of Charities, Inspector of Schools, Judge, Chief of Police, the Doctor, and two Constables that he has heard that there is to be a government inspector sent from St. Petersburg and that he will be incognito. Not only did he have a dream about it, but his friend also wrote him a letter and warned him that a government official has arrived to inspect the entire province—their district in particular—and is posing like an ordinary person. The friend advised the Mayor to take the necessary precautions.