Roman theater performance: HISTORY
was often associated with religious festivals, a tradition dating back to
the Ludi Romani in Rome (2240 B.C)
Less popular since gladiator matches and circus events were famous
before
theatrical events were performed using temporary wooden structures,
which had to be displaced and dismantled for days at a time
No permanent stone structure was constructed for the purpose of
theatrical performance until 55 B.C.E because officials did not want
its citizens to spend too much time watching theater and
performances
Roman theatres, particularly ones constructed in western-Roman,
were mainly modeled off of Greek ones. (semi-circle yung shape ng
mga stage)
Three Major Influences on the Ancient Roman Perspective of Theatre
1. Greeks – MAJOR influence. The theater construction and layout was
influenced by Greek theater.
2. Etruscans – MAJOR influence. The Etruscans brought horse racing
and other activities to Roome.
3. Oscans – FAR LESSER known (di sikat na influence) – They
influenced the rooms regarding their ideas about theater. For
example, Atellan Farce (comedy play with four characters –
Maccus: boastful, Bucco: stupid guzzler/fool, Pappus: Foolish old
man, Dassenus: hunchback and wise, Mandacus: a monster with
big jaw)
First important works of Roman Literature
1. Tragedies and Comedies written by Livius Andronicus (240 B.C)
2. Gnaeus Naevius (drama)
COLLEGIUM POETARUM – Guild of writers (grupo nila)
Roman Actors Role
In 186 BCE, Roman Senate wrote a law, Iudi to get producers
to control their spending on games and plays.
Politicians used plays to get a high number of votes
Actors/performers traveled in a grex, a troupe that has a leader
called DOMINUS
Actors wore masks, pero hindi palagi since marami naming
actor
FAMOUS ACTORS IN ROMAN THEATER
1. Demetrius
2. Stratocles
3. Glyco
4. Apelles
5. Sophron
6. Publilus Syrus
ROMAN THEATER BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Prior to 55 BCE, we have no archaeological evidence for a
permanent theater in Rome
It was constructed in large, open areas.
The height of the scaena frons, these theaters had to be high-rise
buildings of sort
The skill of Roman builders and large size of its structures are plainly
seen in the Colosseum, which held 50,000 attendees, far more than
any Greek theater.
Parts
1. SCAENA – a roofed house at the back of the stage.
2. SCAENAE FRONS – front wall of the scaena that could be up to
three stories high and often featured a balcony as well as three doors
on the ground level.
3. PULPITUM – The actual stage.
4. VERSURAE – Wings of the stage that each feature an entrance.
5. ORCHESTRA – The area where dignitaries sat and where musicians
and dancers sometimes performed.
6. CAVEA – large auditorium, round in shape, where all the commoners
sat when they attended the theater.
CONCLUSION
There were no archaeological evidence for early Roman buildings
but:
scene and prop minimalism indicate that early Roman theaters likely
had little stage décor.
Many believe that the dramatic texts also indicate that no curtains
were present.
The Romans adapted Greek culture and theater.
Roman comedies often feature an altar that is used by the characters
as a shelter. This happens, for instance, in Plautus’ drama
Mostellaria.
