The Theatre Flashcards
When were plays performed
Only performed at festivals which were held several times per year
How were plays advertised
Notices were made and put up on an information board in the forum. People would also tell others about the performance
What happened in the town on the day the when the plays were performed
Shops were closed and no business was done in the forum
What did people take to the theatre
Some brought cushions as the seats were made of stone and many took food and drink. Slaves carried all of these things
Who sat where
Town Councillors and other important citizens sat at the front and ordinary citizens sat further back
How much did it cost
Free as payed for by a wealthy citizen to gain popularity
How were the audience protected from the sun
A large awning was suspended by ropes and pulleys, managed by sailors
What was a pantomime and how many actors took part
A mixture of opera and ballet with no speaking. 1 actor played different parts who was usually a Greek slave or freedman
How did the audience recognise characters
Masks were worn and different tones of voice were used
Name 2 famous Roman writers of comedy
Plautus and Terence
What was the stage called
proscenium
What was the front curtain called
aulaeum
What was the exit called
vomitoria
What were comedies like
Slap-stick style. Stock characters and no chorus. Inc music and songs and were everyday domestic themes
What were tragedies like
Only known writer Seneca. Featured violence and horror. Characters made elaborate speeches. There were 5 sections separated by choral interludes
