CLC Stage 5 Latin 1/2 Honors

Q: What was the main influence on Roman theater?
A: Roman theater was mainly influenced by Greek theater, especially Greek New Comedy.
Q: What type of Roman comedy adapted Greek New Comedy?
A: Fabula palliata adapted Greek New Comedy.
Q: Name one Roman comic playwright.
A: Plautus or Terence.
Q: What did Greek New Comedy focus on?
A: It focused on everyday life, realistic situations, and non-political themes.
Q: Where were plays performed in Pompeii?
A: Plays were performed in the large open-air theater and the smaller roofed Odeon.
Q: How many people could the large Pompeian theater hold?
A: The large theater could hold about 5,000 people.
Q: What was the purpose of the Odeon?
A: The Odeon was used for smaller, roofed musical or more intimate performances.
Q: What is the cavea?
A: The cavea is the tiered seating area for the audience.
Q: What is the orchestra?
A: The orchestra is the horseshoe-shaped area reserved for important officials.
Q: What is the scaena?
A: The scaena is the stage.
Q: What is the scaenae frons?
A: The scaenae frons is the decorated building façade behind the stage.
Q: How much did admission to the theater cost?
A: Admission was free.
Q: Who paid for the theater productions and why?
A: A wealthy citizen paid for them to benefit the community and gain political support.
Q: What did audience members bring with them to the theater?
A: They brought cushions, food, and drink.
Q: Who had reserved seats?
A: The town council and important citizens had reserved seats.
Q: Where did latecomers sit?
A: Latecomers sat at the very top of the cavea.
Q: What provided shade during performances?
A: A large canvas awning provided shade.
Q: Who operated the theater awning?
A: Sailors operated the ropes and pulleys for the awning.
Q: What else helped keep the audience cool?
A: Attendants sprinkled scented water between plays.
Q: What is pantomime?
A: Pantomime was a serious performance with one masked dancer and a chorus.
Q: What are comic farces?
A: Comic farces were short, humorous plays with slapstick and rude jokes.
Q: What was the social status of actors in Rome?
A: Actors had a low social status despite their skill.
Q: Who were many pantomime actors?
A: Many pantomime actors were Greek slaves or freedmen.
Q: How did the audience recognize characters?
A: Characters were recognized by their exaggerated, gaping masks.
Q: What were Roman theater masks made of?
A: Masks were made of linen covered with plaster and painted.
Q: Why did plays have to compete for audiences?
A: They had to compete with gladiator fights, naval battles, and animal shows.