Roman

Theatre
Andy, Jascha,
Irene, Sophia, Ryan,
and Cherish
Brief History of the Roman Empire
- fall of Greek empire coincides with the rise of the
Roman empire
began with Augustus Caesar in 31 BCE
ended in 476 CE under the rule of Romulus
Augustulus

- Roman drama began in 240 BC when Greek works

became familiar through translation.
much of Roman theatre is borrowed from Romans
Romans took the word play from the Greeks
Rome vs. Greece
- Many people say that Roman theatre was and
improved/more modern version of greek theatre
- The Roman theatre was less philosophical, and they
had more drama and performances included in
their shows.
- The set up for the roman theatre was slightly
different from the greek stage set up.
Two Types of Theatre
Roman theatre took two forms: Fabula Palliata and
Fabula Togata
Fabula Palliata Fabula Togata
- mostly tragedies, - comedy farcical situation
translation of Greek with and humor of
plays into latin physical nature like the
- works of Roman plays of Plautus
playwrights based on - showcasing gymnastics,
greek plays dance, singing, athletic
events, chariot races,
juggling, and gladiators.

Roman drama primary consisted of Fabula Togata,

but serious, literary drama continued to be written
but not as performed
Comedy
These are the stock character in a roman comedy:

- Adulescens (Main hero, romantic, rich)

- Senex (either the strict father or soft father)
- Leno (runs the brothel)
- Parasitus (someone who only loves themselves)
- Servi (slaves)
- Ancilla (the maid or nurse)
- Meretrix (prostitute)
- Virgo (young maiden)
Tragedy
- No Roman-based tragedies survived
- Three tragedians from the era were known:
- Quintus Ennius
- Marcus Pacuvius
- Lucius Accius.
- Seneca and an unknown author have surviving
tragedies, but Senecas 9 are all fabula palliata
(tragedies adapted from Greek originals)
Famous Plays
- Menaechmi by Plautus: About a man who is
searching for his twin brother who he lost when he
was seven years old.
- Oedipus by Seneca: This play was adapted from a
famous greek playwright Sophocles. This play is
about the King Oedipus who kills his father, marries
his mother, and a series of other unfortunate
events.
- These plays were performed with two sets of
actors: one who said the lines, and the other who
acted out the lines that were being said.
Costumes and Props
- Heavy use of masks to convey emotion
- Use of color to signify class, status, age or gender.
- They wore long robes called Chitons, that could be
decorated with additional cloaks, sashes etc.
- The romans used a large number of props in their
shows, including weapons (swords, daggers),
goblets, blood stained cloth, fake jewelry, helmets
etc. They also had larger props/set pieces, such as
furniture, plants and statues.
Theatre LAYOUT
- Similar structure of theatre as used by the Greeks:
- Built outside, in a semi -circle pattern
stage in the center, and the seats around it
each row of seats higher than the row below
Some differences include:
The roman theaters weren't always built on hills, and
they had free standing seats not attached to the hill
More seating
Was an independent structure, and had a stable
foundation
The stage and the skene were combined, and this
made a large enclosed space.
The stages were wider than greek theatre stages.
Theatre Layout
 Its Time
for a quiz!
Q1: Name 1 similarity and 1 difference
between greek and roman theatre.
Similarities Differences
- same theatre setup - Roman is less
- both have tragedy and philosophical than
comedy Greek
- Roman plays were
based on Greek plays
Q2: Identify and describe the 2 types of
roman theatre
1. Fabula Palliata 2. Fabula Togata
Tragedies and Roman Comedy farcical situation
plays based off of Greek with and humor of
plays physical nature, like the
plays of Plautus
Q.3 What was a common prop used to
convey emotion during the roman shows?

A common prop/ costume used was a mask, that

showed emotions, and helped the audience
understand the actors feeling better.
Questions to know:
1. Q: What was one main difference between greek
and roman theatre? A: The roman theatre was less
philosophical than the greek theatre.
2. Q: What are the two main types of Roman theatre?
(should we add that they should describe them)
A:The two main types of theatre are Fabula Palliata
and Fabula Togata.
3. Q: What was a popular prop used in Roman theatre
to convey emotions? A: Masks were often used to
show the feelings of the actors onstage.
Citations
http://www.ancient.eu/Roman_Empire/
http://www.tribunesandtriumphs.org/roman-life/roma
n-theatre.htm
http://www.ancient-literature.com/rome_seneca_oedi
pus.html
http://www.tctwebstage.com/ancient.htm
http://www.crystalinks.com/rometheatre.html