Roman Theatre Flashcards
How was Roman drama influenced by Greek drama?
Roman drama was strongly influenced by Greek drama because many Greeks had settled in southern Italy
When were Roman plays typically performed?
Roman plays were often performed during religious festivals.
How were Roman plays funded?
They were funded partly by public funds and partly by senior politicians, offering opportunities for gaining popularity.
What did wealthy benefactors contribute to Roman theatre?
(Name 3 things)
-funded the construction
-upgrading of theatre buildings and facilities
-sponsoring the plays themselves
When was the first major stone theatre in Rome built?
The middle of the first century BC.
How did theatres in southern Italy differ from those in Rome?
Permanent theatres appeared earlier in southern Italy due to closer contact with the Greeks.
What is significant about the theatre district in Pompeii?
It had two theatres next to each other at the southern end of the city.
What was the capacity of the larger Pompeian theatre?
Approximately 4,000 spectators.
Who funded major improvements to the larger Pompeian theatre?
The Holconii family.
What materials were used for the upgraded seating in the Pompeian theatre?
Marble
What architectural feature did the seating in the Pompeian theatre follow?
Built into a hillside, following the Greek fashion.
How were seats allocated in Roman theatres?
(Name 3 sections)
-VIPs in the lower marble rows.
-Free citizens behind the VIPs.
-Freedmen, slaves, and women in the back rows.
What feature protected spectators from the sun?
An awning.
What were the three distinct elements of the performing area?
-The scaenae frons (back wall).
-The stage.
-The semi-circular orchestra.
What was the scaenae frons and how was it decorated?
The elaborately decorated back wall, adorned with statues and columns, often painted and sometimes up to three storeys tall.
What was unique about the Roman theatre curtain?
It came down at the start of the play instead of going up.
What was the orchestra used for in Roman theatres?
Mainly as seating for VIPs, though occasionally for acting in revivals of Greek plays.
How was the stage constructed?
Made of wood, set on pillars, with an area below for manoeuvring stage machinery and props.
What purpose did the back wall of the stage serve?
It was over a meter high and made of elaborate stone for decoration.
Which two genres of plays were featured on the Roman stage due to Greek influence?
Tragedy and comedy.
By which century had Roman tragedy declined in popularity?
The first century BC.
Who were the two greatest writers of Roman comedy?
Plautus and Terence.
On whose works did Plautus and Terence base their plays
Menander, a Greek playwright.
What were some common tropes of Roman comedies?
(Name 3 things)
-Love affairs.
-Confusions of identity.
-Conflicts between fathers and sons.
-Clever slaves outwitting their masters.
