The Roman Theatre and Its Audience / Edition 1

by Richard C. Beacham

Overview

Drawing on recent archaeological investigations, new scholarship, and the author’s own original research and staging experience, this book offers a new and fascinating picture of theatrical performance in the ancient world. Richard Beacham traces the history of the Roman theatre, from its origins in the fourth century B.C. to the demise of formal theatrical activity at the end of antiquity. He characterizes the comedy of Plautus and Terence and the audience to which the Roman playwrights were appealing; describes staging, scenery, costuming, and performance style; and details a variety of theatrical forms, including comedy, tragedy, mime, pantomime, and spectacles.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780674779143
Publisher:	Harvard University Press
Publication date:	02/01/1996
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	279
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Richard C. Beacham is Professor of Theatre Studies, University of Warwick.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations

Preface

1. AN AUDIENCE IN SEARCH OF A THEATRE

2. THE FAMOUS COMIC PLAYWRIGHTS OF ROME

3. EARLY ROMAN STAGES

4. A FUNNY THING: PERFORMING A PLAY BY PLAUTUS

5. TRAGEDY, MIME, AND PANTOMIME

6. LATER STAGES AND STAGINGS POSTLUDE: A THEATRE IN SEARCH OF AN AUDIENCE

Notes

Bibliography

Index

Editorial Reviews

Those who seek a general introduction to the theatrical life of ancient Rome have long been underserved… Beacham’s history of theatre at Rome from its beginnings until the end of the Roman empire is therefore most welcome… Through his synthesis of ancient art and anecdotes, previous scholarship, and his own insights, Beacham has done a great service. For anyone wishing to gain an entry into the strange and complex world of the Roman theatre, Beacham’s book is an excellent place to start.

Theatre Journal - Timothy J. Moore

The Roman Theatre and Its Audience deals not only with every era but with every genre that entertained the sons of Romulus… Beacham charts the transformation of sedate Hellenistic comedy into raucous entertainment suitable for the Roman spectators described by Horace as potus et exlex (‘drunk and disorderly’).

Times Literary Supplement - Erich Segal

A fine piece of work… [Beacham’s] theories about mime, pantomime, and Roman wall painting will stir much discussion, and his book will be valued by all who are interested in the theatre of the ancient world.

Classical Philology - Patricia A. Johnston

The Roman Theatre and Its Audience deals not only with every era but with every genre that entertained the sons of Romulus... Beacham charts the transformation of sedate Hellenistic comedy into raucous entertainment suitable for the Roman spectators described by Horace as potus et exlex ('drunk and disorderly').--Erich Segal "Times Literary Supplement"

A fine piece of work... [Beacham's] theories about mime, pantomime, and Roman wall painting will stir much discussion, and his book will be valued by all who are interested in the theatre of the ancient world.--Patricia A. Johnston "Classical Philology"

Those who seek a general introduction to the theatrical life of ancient Rome have long been underserved... Beacham's history of theatre at Rome from its beginnings until the end of the Roman empire is therefore most welcome... Through his synthesis of ancient art and anecdotes, previous scholarship, and his own insights, Beacham has done a great service. For anyone wishing to gain an entry into the strange and complex world of the Roman theatre, Beacham's book is an excellent place to start.--Timothy J. Moore "Theatre Journal"

From the Publisher

A fine piece of work...[Beacham's] theories about mime, pantomime, and Roman wall painting will stir much discussion, and his book will be valued by all who are interested in the theatre of the ancient world.
— Patricia A. Johnston

Classical Philology

The Roman Theatre and Its Audience deals not only with every era but with every genre that entertained the sons of Romulus...Beacham charts the transformation of sedate Hellenistic comedy into raucous entertainment suitable for the Roman spectators described by Horace as potus et exlex ('drunk and disorderly').
— Erich Segal

Times Literary Supplement

Traces the history of the classical Roman theater, including such elements as staging, scenery, costuming, performance style, and the audiences and how they both reacted to and influenced the nature and occasion of the performance. Focuses on the comedies of Plautus and Terence, but also considers tragedy, mime, pantomime, and spectacles. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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