CLA 010C Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Dougga, Sabratha, Aspendos
Document Summary
Plays were usually performed under a festival context (free event) Concerned with the effect of how permanent entertainment centers would influence the younger generation. Problem for writers who wanted a stage for their plays to be performed on. 179 bc: wooden theatre was begun, not finished. 154 bc: attempted to build stone theatre; was demolished due to decree of senate. 58 bc: scaurus; held 80,000 and had a 3 story stage. 50 bc: curio: 2 temporary theatres back to back, could be turned to form place for gladiators. Temporary wooden theatres: plautus and terrance had their plays performed on these. Located in forum or circus (where chariots race); public places. 3 doors: could represent different buildings; entering/exiting for actors. Stage was low, but raised; steps were provided at ends of stage for entering, exiting. Stage: behind orchestra; joined to audience through parados (small archway) Vip steps right in front of the stage.