theatre

Question 1

when were comedies performed?

Answer 1

on public holidays

Question 2

what was the orchestra? where was it?

Answer 2

seating for musicians or VIPs and it was at the front

Question 3

describe the frons scenae

Answer 3

had doorways to resemble a street
decorated elaborately
changing costume/mask area for actors

Question 4

what were the acoustics like?

Answer 4

good due to the round design

Question 5

suggest 6 ways the theatre was enjoyable (especially for plebs)

Answer 5

• suggestive and slapstick humour popular for plebs
• making fun of upper classes + politicians for plebs=slave gets the better of master
• 5000 spectators = good atmosphere
• free entry
• plays had direct address to audience
• tiered seating/good acoustics

Question 6

what did the crowd yell when restless?

Answer 6

‘we want bears! we want boxers!’

Question 7

how were the seats arranged? who sat where?

Answer 7

ima cavea - front row - decisions/VIPs

media cavea - middle row - wealthier inhabitants

summa cavea - top row - other ppl

Question 8

give 2 advantages of the seating

Answer 8

1. tiered = good views

2. awnings and scented water

Question 9

name 3 disadvantages of seating

Answer 9

1. it was hard and only 40cm per person
2. no roof = sun exposure
3. some were far from stage

Question 10

name 4 characters in a typical comedy. what did the typical characters wear?

Answer 10

slave - red hair + short tunic
young master - dark hair + multi-coloured tunic
old man (father) - white beards + white tunic
slave/courtesan girl - yellow tunic

Question 11

name 3 advantages of wearing masks for acting

Answer 11

easily distinguishable characters
amplified voices
actors could play more than one character

Question 12

explain the plot of a comedy

Answer 12

love affair with girl and master
slave outwits old man and protects master from his rage of his affair
slave ensures they end up together at the end