Roman Theatre

What were the three social classes in ancient Rome?

Patricians (rich and ruling), plebeians (citizens), slaves (1/2 population).

What is Ludi Romani?

A festival dedicated to Jupiter with several acting companies participating and free admission.

What was the significance of the frons scaenae?

It was the backdrop wall/building decorated with statues and fabric in Roman theatres.

Who were the histriones?

Roman actors, often male amateurs or slaves, before the formation of professional companies.

What was the role of the dominus in a theatre troupe?

The head of a troupe, serving as the lead actor and producer of the work.

How did Roman drama differ from Greek drama?

Roman drama was primarily for entertainment, while Greek drama reflected moral values and important issues.

Who was Titus Maccius Plautus?

The most popular Roman playwright known for 21 plays adapted from Greek New Comedy.

What is the significance of The Brothers Menachmus?

It is the most famous play by Plautus, later adapted by Shakespeare as Comedy of Errors.

What type of comedies did Publius Terentius Afer (Terence) write?

He wrote romantic comedies, with 6 surviving works based on Greek comedies.

What was one key aspect of Lucius Annaeus Seneca's tragedies?

They were not written for the stage and included violent elements such as stabbings and murders.

What was Horace's contribution to theatre criticism?

He urged the separation of comedy and tragedy and viewed theatre largely as entertainment.