Ancient Roman Theatre

Ancient Roman Theatre was initially hugely influenced by Ancient Greek Theatre and used many of the same stories and dramas, translated into Latin. However, Roman tragedies and comedies soon developed their own style and rhetoric, distinguishing themselves as important pieces of literature. Ancient Roman Theatre was hugely influential on future theatrical eras and styles, including Commedia dell’arte, French Neoclassicism, and English Renaissance Theatre. This guide explores the development of Ancient Roman Theatre and some of the most popular playwrights of the era.

Terminology

Drama and Performance:

• Atellan Farce: a masked, improvised farce that originated in the rustic Oscan town of Attella.
• Latin: the language of Ancient Rome and its empire.
• Rhetoric: the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing.
• Soliloquy: an extended speech in which a character speaks to himself/herself instead of another character. They are common in classical drama.

Technology:

• Cavea: The seating area of the theatre.
• Orchestra: The stage area.
• Proscaenium: A wall that supported the front edge of the stage, often ornately decorated.
• Pulpitum: Stage area in front of the scaena frons.
• Scaenae frons: A high back wall of the stage floor, supported by columns.

Key Dates & Events

• c.254 BCE - 184 BCE - Estimated lifetime of Titus Maccius Plautus, known as Plautus.
• 240 BCE - First recorded theatrical production at the Ludi Romani (Roman Games).
• c.195/185 BCE - c.159 BCE - Estimated lifetime of Publius Terentius Afer, known in English as Terence.
• 55 BCE - First stone theatre built in Rome.
• c.4 BCE - 65 CE - Estimated lifetime of Lucius Annaeus Seneca, known as Seneca the Younger.