1. Ancient Plays & Theatres

2. When? Not every day – just at festivals/holidays
Eventually 101 festival days a year
Notices throughout town
Shut down business, everyone to theatre
Cushions, hats, parasols, food, drinks
Politicians’ spots reserved; tokens

3. How it Goes Down Free admission Rich dude “gives” the play
Benefits for him?
Plays all day
Tragedies, comedies, farces, pantomime
Awning for hot days
Sailors

4. Actors Grex – literally a “herd” – troupe of actors
Run or owned by a producer
Same social level as slaves and laborers
Freedmen could join troupes
Hereditary career – no Roman citizens
No women until the empire
Year the empire began?

5. Haters Gonna Hate Why the hate on actors?
Greeks adore theirs – great status
Critical of politicians
Dirty jokes; naked appearances
More than just dirty jokes, too
Grew more popular over time
Theatre dies out, gladiators & races take over

6. Theatres Themselves - Greek

7. Roman Theatres Originally copy the Greeks (duh) Skene bigger
Originally wooden
Theatre of Pompey – 55 BC