Theatre in Roman civilization

Theater played an important role in the cultural and social life of Roman civilization, serving as a means of entertainment, education, and expression of values ​​and traditions. Roman theater was heavily influenced by Greek theater, but it evolved over time to take on a distinct character that reflected the nature of Roman society and its traditions.

The ruins of Roman theaters, whether located in Rome, the capital, or scattered throughout the rest of the ancient and sprawling Roman Empire, are a living example of the interest in theater during the Roman era, the dissemination of Roman culture, and the promotion of the Roman emperors. The construction of Roman theaters in the Roman style also contributed to the spread of Roman architecture throughout those regions and made them known to the local population. 

What is the Roman theatre?

It is an open-air theatre, built by the ancient Romans, and usually built on a sloping hill, or on flat ground, decorated with an external facade rich in carved stone decorations, and accessed by passing through a colonnade and vaulted entrances. The construction of Roman theatres spread in the fourth century BC, after the state transitioned from being a kingdom to becoming a republic.

The origin and development of the Roman theatre

Roman theaters and amphitheaters represented two different types of built structures. The Roman theater was built in a semicircular shape and was often roofed, while the amphitheaters were mostly oval in shape and designed to accommodate the number of spectators watching various theatrical activities. Roman theaters derived their basic design from the Theater of Pompeii, the first permanent and fixed Roman theater, which was built of square-cubic stones.

Roman theatre in Alexandria

Roman theater began in the 4th century BC. Initially, it was simple and limited to religious performances and public celebrations, but later evolved to include tragedy, comedy, and popular satirical plays. The Romans adopted the form of theatrical construction and some acting techniques from the Greeks, but they developed new techniques in directing and staging, such as the use of raised platforms and movable sets.

When neither human remedies nor divine help diminished the power of the plague, it is said that the Romans, their minds overcome by superstition, included even theatrical games among the rites they established in order to appease the gods’ anger. Such games were something new for this warlike people, who had previously known only games in the circus. The thing itself, however, was a small affair, and of foreign origin, as is generally the case when things first.

The most famous Roman theaters

Roman Amphitheater in Amman

Colosseum

Verona Arena

Roman Theater in Alexandria

Roman Theater of Guelma

Roman literary works that dealt with Roman theatre

The Art of Poetry by Horius livy  gives us a report on the origins of Roman theater art, while Lucianus writes about the art of pantomime, and Horicius, who belongs to the city of Gaza, writes about mime

Theatre and the nature of acting

The doors on the stage, like those in real life, opened outwards, leading to the streets. Roman actors did not wear masks until long after the comedies that have survived were written. As early as the first century BC, spectators were forced to stand. One of the most bizarre stories in this regard is that during a performance of the Eumenides, the chorus entered with an irregular gabble, causing the deaths of infants and causing miscarriages in pregnant women.

Historians of ancient theatre increasingly rely on archaeological evidence. The ruins of Roman theatres are indisputable evidence of the importance of theatre in the lives of the ancient Romans. Looking at these monuments, we find complete confirmation that Roman theatrical performances at that time took place during the day, with the sun in the sky. Works of art were cited as evidence in theatrical works. It is believed that a drawing depicting an event from mythology was often inspired by the artist’s recollection of the dramatic performance he had seen, and he recalled it from memory with such vividness that he presented the characters not with the simplicity with which he imagined them in the story, but rather as he saw them with his own eyes embodied on the stage.

Types of theatrical performances

The theatre of ancient Rome was a flourishing art form, ranging from the festive performance of street theatre, nude dancing, and acrobatics, to the widely accepted stage presentation of Plautus's situational comedies, to the pedantic style of Seneca's wordy tragedies.

Romanian theatrical performances varied between:

Tragedy:

These are plays that deal with serious topics and tragic destinies, and were often adapted from Greek theatre.

Comedy:

It is the most popular, and deals with daily issues with sarcasm and humor. Among the most prominent writers of comedy in Rome are Plautus and Terence.

Mim and pantomime:

They are two types of silent theatre or theatre that relies on mime, dance and mockery of public figures.

Theatrical architecture

The Roman theater was originally a semicircular natural pit, the sides of which were leveled and covered with marble and hewn stones to form terraces and seats, forming what is known as the amphitheater. Surrounding the amphitheater is a thick, high wall with doors and niches that housed statues, according to some historians. It could seat approximately 4,500 spectators. Roman theaters were distinguished by their massive and elaborate construction, often built of stone, such as the Theater of Marsilius in Rome. They featured seats arranged in a semicircle, a stage for the performance, and a decorative backdrop (the squinch). Some theaters were also equipped with advanced sound systems for their time.

The importance of theatre in Roman society

Theater was not just a means of entertainment; it was a tool for conveying political and religious messages, a means of uniting people of all classes, and a means of spreading the Roman language and culture throughout the empire's territories.

Roman theaters were designed to stage plays and grand displays of gladiators and wild animals, listen to and recite poetry or music, debates or lectures, dance performances accompanied by music, and attend circus performances, such as the famous Circus Maximus, which was built on a grander scale.

Conclusion

The theater in Roman civilization reflected a great civilization that emphasized the arts and culture alongside politics and the military. The Roman theater left a significant legacy that influenced the development of European and global theater later on, forming the basis for many modern theatrical concepts.