Recitationes Flashcards
Where did recitationes take place
At the writers house or the house of his patron, or hall haired for the occasion. Sometimes in the forum or on a street corner for anyone to listen
Why would they take place at dinner parties
It was a chance to practice his performance and for his friends to critique to perfect it before he presents to a large crowd
What would happen at the specially hired auditorium
Invitations sent out, cushioned chairs set up at front for important guests with benches behind for the rest, tiered seating if very special occasion
As the audience arrived slaves would hand out programmes
What would happen if the author was nervous
Friends may be placed in the audience with instruction to applaud at the right moments
What was the praefitio
Short introduction to authors work, similar to a blurb giving us a preview
What would happen if the guests thought it would be boring
Would send in a slave to tell them when it was nearly finished so they could just come in for the end.
Many found them very boring
Why did people prefer recitationes than books
Because back then, books tended not to have any cover making it hard to chose a book. Made hearing a story much easier, convenient and economic
