Theory Lesson 3
Roman Theatre
300 BC
- Decline of Greek economy
- Romans borrowed extensively from Greek Theatre
- Powerful battles were won and took over Europe (inheriting land and theatres around)
- 'Play' derives from Latin word 'Lutis'
- 2 Forms of Roman Theatre (translated into Latin)
- Usually based upon Greek Plays
- Form of entertainment 'de'volved
- Tereance introduce the concept of sub-plot
- Enabling contrast between different individuals' comments on event
- Reflection of society
- Gladiators
- Spectacles (fight against lions)
- Colosseum = 360 degree angle approach to theatre
- Element of Greek festival transformed to Roman festival
- Art, literature and philosophy has been passed down from Greeks
- Greek language was the international language
- Culturally everything was based on Greeks
- Romans evolved Greek Gods to "Roman Gods"
- Even plays were set in Greece
- Actors still wore Greek styled masks and costumes
- Often represented the Greek in a negative light and brainwashed the audience
- Established a guild of actors and writers (rights, places to live, etc)
- Plautus (20 playwrights) and Tereance (6 playwrights)
- No such thing as typical Roman play
- Most distinctive feature was trickster slave (Roman Comedy Play)
- Early Roman theatres were wooden auditoriums erected by wealthy politicians (didn't last long and were temporary)
- Catholic (religious people looked down on theatre)
- Lead to demise of theatre
They play of Pseudolus really caught my attention due to the fact that the beginning is a prologue that warns the audience to stretch their feet as the duration of the play will be long.
Thorough notes that include the most significant points from the lesson. Remember that all posts can be further researched independently to enhance the information you have. You could include examples of play texts from that era and comment on your experience of acting them out in class.
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