Important Facts!

Hi Roman readers,

Here we have 5 important facts about the different types of theatres in Ancient Rome! Listen well, because we're going to give you a few questions to answer later!

ACTORS DEVELOPED A KIND OF CODE THAT WOULD TELL THE AUDIENCE ABOUT THE CHARACTERS JUST BY LOOKING AT THEM:
When acting in the Roman theatres, actors commonly often colored which symbolizes the character or rank. For example, a purple robe meant the character was a young man. A yellow robe meant the character was a woman. A yellow tassel meant the character was a god. Different than nowadays, chitons were used back then, but costumes are used for nowadays because of the modern civilization.

MANY TYPES OF PLAYS:
Romans preferred comedies, especially exaggerated crude ones. Romans liked and wanted pure entertainment, lots of laughs and excitement. A popular one was a Mime which would be a performance without speaking. Romans copied and modified many aspects of Greek culture such as their religion and drama to suit themselves. However, most plays were set in Greece and actors wore Greek masks and costumes.

BLOODTHIRSTY ENTERTAINMENT:
Romans liked violence and they watched it as if they were watching sport. In fact, since so much violence is held on stage, the Christian Church began to attack the theatre because of the shocking acts taking place on stage. Obscene language and actions were applauded, and bloody violence was acceptable.

COMPARING GREEK AND ROMAN THEATRES:
When comparing and contrasting Roman theatres and Greek theatres, it is obvious that Roman theatres are less influenced by religion. In rome theatres, it was more for aesthetic appeal, and war was a more common thing to appear on stage, where as, Greek theatres were mimed and repetitive.

STOCK CHARACTERS:
A stock character is what an audience will be familiar with like a braggart soldier, a strong victorious soldier, and a scheming slave. Some of these characters are recognized by their speeches. The standard costume bases was a tunic and a cloak. At first masks were common because some actors would play many characters.