Download Roman Theatre

Roman Theatre
• During 3rd century, Rome engaged in Punic
Wars --> won wars--> came into contact
with Greece where they observed Greek
culture
• Roman Entertainment expanded the Greek
Festivals to include: chariot racing,
equestrian performances, acrobatics,
wrestling, gladiatorial combats
Roman Theatre
• Special buildings constructed for the festivals
(Circus Maximus, Colosseum)
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Roman Theatre
 Local government officials hired acting
troupes
 Dominus
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Head of troupe (lead actor)
Made financial arrangements
Bought dramas from playwrights
Hired musicians
Obtained costumes
Roman Theatre
 Companies had at least 6 members
(Greek had 3 actors)
 Due to SIZE of theatres, Roman
Theatre emphasized detailed
pantomime and BROAD physical
gestures
 Stock characters used (did not value
versatility)
Roman Theatre
 Masks worn as in
Greek theatre
 Why do you think
masks were
important?
• Large theatres
• Stock characters
valued
Roman Theatre
The Roman theatre was shaped with a
half circle or orchestra space in front of the
stage. Most often the audience sat here in
comfortable chairs. Occasionally, however,
the actors would perform in this space.
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Roman Theatre
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The audience was usually more interested in
their favorite actors than the play itself.
The actors would try to win over the audience's
praise with decorative masks, costumes,
dancing and mime.
If the play scripted an actor's dying, a
condemned man would take the place of the
actor at the last moment and actually be killed
on stage. The Romans loved the bloodthirsty
spectacles
Decline of Roman Theatre
Roman Empire became so large that 2
capitols were established: Rome in the
west and Constantinople in the east
 Center of activity shifted away from Rome
to Constantinople
 Rome was conquered by Northern
Barbarians which signaled end of
theatrical and cultural development

Decline of Roman Theatre

Rise of Christianity--> Christian Church opposed
to theatre b/c of connection with pagan religions
(Remember: was founded originally by Greeks
to celebrate god Dionysis)
 Christian Church felt immoral characters were
portrayed and taught immorality to audience
(sexual content of plays)
 1000 years of theatrical development at an end
Greek vs Roman Theatre:
Differences
Creativity, imagination, art,
philosophy, theatre
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Concrete achievements,
law, engineering, military
conquests
Tragedy central focus
o Comedy central focus
(concerning gods)
(romantic situations)
Theatre houses carved
o Both built amphitheatres
into hillsides only
and had hillside theatre
houses
Orchestra was circular and
o Orchestra was
used as a performance
semicircular and used as a
space
seating space
Limited to 3 actors and a
o Unlimited number of actors
chorus
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Greek vs Roman Theatre
Similarities
• Masks worn
• Semicircular/circular seating
• Theatrical entertainment
highly valued
Reference
o
Wilson and Goldfarb. Theater: The Lively
Art, 4th edition: Chapter 10, pages 209 231