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Theatre in Ancient Rome

Roman theatrical art is unique in its kind. It is almost the only one that does not originates from the ritual, the ritual stage of action. The Roman theatre was originally professional. It is not viewed the cult of the deity. It is not surprising that the Roman theatre has not had much influence on the public mind, and was just a fun and enjoyable way.

In the Roman stage action was the main entertainment, not the essence of the concept of the view or the deep inner world of the characters. Participants views in Rome and despised, unlike ancient Greek theatre, were not respected. Actors became slaves or freedmen. Poorly played the role of they can be severely beaten.

In Ancient Rome, plays were organized in honor of public holidays or by expression of the desire of the noble citizens.

The Roman theatre was entertainment and solemnity. Such grandeur was achieved through participation of a huge number of extras, in colorful costumes, decorated with real precious stones. Also used real armor and various weapons. Acting performance was not different skills, the female roles were played by men and were quite primitive. It is worth emphasizing that in almost all genres, in addition to Otellini, the actors play without masks, but has used wigs and bright makeup.

The rejection of the masks violate the General conditional style of play. But the taboo on the mask was compelled as the profession of an actor was shameful, and it was considered that the participant of a stage performance, which received a salary for it had to go public with an open face. The rejection of masks provided monopolized the right to play masks of the Roman youth, which was fun, participating in productions. Roman theatrical mask differed from the Greek the fact that it had large holes for the mouth and eyes that contributed to a more expressive facial expressions.

Initially, the stage of action constructed wooden scaffolding height in human growth. Their reliability and quality, however, forced much to be desired. Similar structures were broken at the end theatrical shows. It is worth noting that for the audience is not always provided for the bench or benches. Practice to watch a play standing existed for quite a long time. But soon for such a Grand and ceremonial performances need appropriate clearance in the form of a beautiful theatre buildings. The first permanent stone theatre was built around 55 BC It affects capacity 17 thousand spectators. And by the end of the first century ad in Rome was built two theatres that were able to accommodate 45 thousand people.

The structure of the Roman theatre consisted of a semicircular orchestra and the proscenium, that is, a special area, where we’re actors. Traditionally, the three story building was made out of luxurious portico, which adjoined the hall of sessions of the Senate (Curia). From the heat and rain the public were protected special large canvas dome that was called the velum.

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