PR-2237IRE Ancient Rome

Roman Life – Entertainment
Theatres
Roman actors were mainly men because women were only allowed to act in pantomimes and
mimes. Women in the audience were also discriminated against for they weren’t permitted to sit
near the front. It was believed that they would run off with one of the actors if given the opportunity!
From 300 BC the theatres in Rome were simple, temporary wooden buildings in the forum, a
market square surrounded by public buildings, or in the Circus Maximus. It wasn’t until the first century BC,
during the time of Julius Caesar, that the first stone theatre was built. For support, the Greeks often built their
theatres into the hillsides, which meant the banks of seats overlooking the stage were easier to construct. However,
most permanent Roman theatres were freestanding buildings of stone with curved tiers of seats for the audience.
The orchestra, the flat space between the stage and the audience, was reserved for senators, priests and other
important officials. The audience was sheltered from sun and rain by a canvas awning. A curtain at the back of
the stage hid the scene changes. The members of the audience were controlled and lectured if they were noisy
and mothers were not allowed to bring their babies.
An official, an aedile, would hire actors for a play and hold rehearsals in his own home. Before the performance
an actor read out the prologue, an introduction to the play, giving details of plot and characters.
Theatre masks appear a lot in Roman art on wall frescoes and in mosaics. They were probably made of stiffened
material such as linen.
TEACHERS
N OTE
Viewing Sample
Activity Suggestion
The children could use their masks and make up a play (in groups) to perform for the class. Remind the
groups that the Romans liked comedies with songs and music.
– 50 – Ancient Rome Prim-Ed Publishing www.prim-ed.com