Roman Theatre Overview

These flashcards encapsulate essential concepts and historical notes regarding Roman theatre, including its characteristics, prominent figures, and societal impact.

Engineering (Roman Arch, Aqueducts), Politics (first democracy, Senate), Conquest (Roman Empire), and Theatre.

What were some achievements of the Romans mentioned in relation to theatre?

Festivals held in September in honor of Jupiter, including various performances and events.

What does the term 'Ludi Romani' refer to?

55 B.C.

What was the first stone theatre in Rome built?

Romans borrowed from Greek ideas but made them less philosophical and more focused on entertainment.

How did Roman theatre differ from Greek theatre?

Histriones were the actors/performers in Roman theatre.

What is the role of 'histriones' in Roman theatre?

Costumes and masks indicated the social status and type of character being portrayed.

What was the significance of costumes and masks in Roman theatre?

The façade of the stage house featuring columns, niches, and statues.

What was the 'scaena frons' in Roman theatre?

Built on level ground with stadium-style seating and raised stages.

What is a characteristic feature of Roman theatre architecture?

Notable Roman playwrights known for their contributions to comedic theatre.

Who were Plautus and Terence?

Focus on everyday domestic affairs and action placed in the street.

What was a key distinction of Roman comedy?

509 B.C.

What year marks the beginning of the Roman Republic?

A playwright known for his tragedies, often inferior to Greek tragedies but influential.

What is 'Seneca' known for in Roman theatre?

Women were not allowed to act, and their roles were played by men or boys.

What was unique about the role of women in Roman theatre?

A form of theatre that was serious or comic, often depicting violence and sex literally.

What is 'mime' in the context of Roman theatre?

To keep people busy and happy to prevent plots against the emperor.

What was the purpose of festivals in Roman theatre according to the notes?

Emphasis on morality and often involved violence and horror on stage.

What is one characteristic of Roman tragedy?

Theorized about the unities of action, place, and time in his work 'Ars Poetica'.

What did Horace contribute to the understanding of theatre?

Tragic (palaces and temples), Comic (common people's dwellings), and Satyr (meadows and forests).

What were the three types of scenery described by Vitruvius?

Senex (randy old miser), Adulscens and Virgo (young lovers), Servus (clever slave), Meretrix (mistress), Miles Gloriosus (bragging soldier).

What were the stock characters in Roman comedy?

It recognized Christianity in 313 AD and marked a shift in religious practices in the Empire.

What was the significance of the Edict of Milan?

Christianity's rise led to opposition to theatre, considering it immoral and associated with paganism.

What characterized the decline of poetry and performance in the late Roman Empire?

The transformation of Rome into a backwater and the decline of festivals and performances.

What was the main outcome of the Roman Empire's division in the early 4th century?

Utilized soliloquies, asides, and other methods to enhance storytelling.

How did the Roman theatre use technical devices?

Emperor Nero.

Which Roman emperor famously used the theatre to showcase his own talents?

Audience members would sometimes not stay quiet, posing a challenge for performers.

How did the Roman theatre manage sound challenges in large audiences?

Church opposition to theatre increased, leading to its eventual decline.

What was the impact of Christianity on the Roman theatre scene by the 6th century?

It refers to the serious dramatic works that often mirrored themes from Greek originals.

What does the term 'tragedy' refer to in the context of Seneca's works?

They entertained the masses while simultaneously posing societal issues.

What was one effect of the violent spectacles in Roman theatre?

They borrowed and then improved upon them, emphasizing grandiosity and sentimentality.

How did the Romans adapt Greek theatre styles?