Limited to public streets, the early Roman theaters of 200 BCE to 160 BCE failed to produce the spectacle we now know as Roman theatre. Contrary to the inspiration for most Roman culture, the theaters of Greece and Rome differed greatly. As the Greeks modestly excavated their theaters in the side of a hill, the Romans fabricated structures on street level to flaunt elaborate architecture. The Greeks’ style featured a large circular space at the foot of the stage for choral performances. The Romans created a smaller space, named the orchestra, filled with rows of seats assigned to senators. Beyond the senators, knights reserved about fourteen rows. Following the nights, the general population claimed seats on a first come first serve basis.
In 55 BC, Pompey constructed the first permanent theater, aptly titled the Theater of Pompey. Pliny praises this theater as hosting 40,000 spectators, yet historians estimate, by the architectural plans, estimate seating for about 20,000. Two other great theaters in Rome arose during 13 BC: an 11,000 seat theater, the Theater of Balbus, and a 20,000 seat theater, the Theater of Marcellus, constructed in honor of Augustus's nephew. A love of theatre spread far beyond the hub of Roman culture, and the Romans built theaters throughout Italy, Gaul, Lycia,
THEATERS
The Theater of Pompey, the first permanent theater in Rome
Derived from the classical civilization, today’s theatrical productions integrate the facets of Roman culture into plays, musicals, and performances. From the history that inspired Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar to the myths that inspired Broadway’s Hadestown, the classics influence plot and integrate nuance, insight only available from a knowledge of the classics. Just as the classics play a role in the theatre of today, theatre played a role in ancient Rome.
Pamphylia, and Sabratha in Tripoli.
THE ROLE OF THEATRE IN ANCIENT ROME
THE ROLE OF THEATRE IN ANCIENT ROME
The Theatre of Dionysus
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