In Roman times Plays were performed only at festivals, which were only ever held several times a year. Therefore when a play was performed everyone was very excited. On the day it was acted, people closed down their stores and all business was stopped at the forum. All the men and women would flock to the forum, very early in the morning, taking cushions with them for comfort as there were only stone seats. They would also take slaves with them and food and drink as the day was long. There were people however who had already had seats reserved.
These were the town councillors and other very important citizens. They were given the best seats at the front. To get to these seats these people carried special tokens with them, telling them what entrance to use and were to sit. Anybody who came later, among the ordinary citizens would have to sit at the top of the auditorium due to lack of space. It was possible for the large theatre in Pompeii to hold up to 5000 people. A dramatic performance was a public occasion as so admission was free.
All of the money would be paid of by a wealthy citizen, who would provide the actors, the producer, scenery and costumes. This would be done to gain him popularity in the local political elections and for the benefit of his fellow citizens. This performance lasted all day and would consist of a number of plays, even during the hot temperatures of the afternoon. A large awning was suspended by ropes and pulley systems across most of the theatre to keep the audience cool and shaded. This system was operated by sailors who were used to using ropes and canvas.
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However, the awning could not be used on windy days and so the people used hats or sunshades. One of the most popular of all performances were called Pantomimes, which were a mixture of opera and ballet. The plot was usually a serious one and was based upon Greek myths. All the parts were mimed and danced by one masked person, while a chorus of people sang lyrics. Instruments like the, Lyre, Double Pipes, Trumpet and Castanets would accompany a pantomime and gave a rhythmical beat to it. Actors were usually played by Greek slaves or freedmen.
They often became very popular for their skill and stamina. Comic actors were also very popular. They would wear grotesque masks and were put on as the end of longer plays as they were only short. They would include material such as rude jokes slapstick and Italian country life. They only ever used a few familiar characters such as Pappus, (an old fool) and Manducuds, (a greedy clown).
They were recognisable by their strange masks. These days Plays at the theatre are a common thing. There going all the time with a huge group of actors all showing their skills.
Nowadays we have other sources of entertainment such as the T. V and the Cinema and so theatre is not a loved source of enjoyment as it used to be. However it is still enjoyed, but things have changed drastically since the time of Rome. All theatres today are housed inside and although the seating layout is still the same, we now have much more comfortable seats and no one is treated with more due importance than others, (with some exceptions to very special people e. g. royalty).
The are always fees for the theatre today and no one from town pays for them.
You pay for your ticket and no one else. Plays may not be run all day, but there is a wide selection of different plays to go to, including pantomime, opera, dance and famous plays, such as Cats. We too, like the Romans have music to accompany our plays but we have a much bigger variety of musical instruments that the Roman era could not access. Our actors today don’t use masks, as they provide you with disadvantages such as breathing, visibility and uncomfortable situations. Instead actors, now just use make up and stunning costumes designed by an array of expert designers.
The Term Paper on Conventions Of Drama Plays Society Theatre
Through the centuries, the conventions of drama have been altered in many different ways. These conventions are the setting, plot, characters and staging. The main factor which has been a dominant force during the changes of conventions has been the society. The society present during the time in which a play was written had a direct influence on the plot and characters. This is because drama is ...
