Theatre has been around for centuries, and two of the most influential eras of theatre have been from the Greek and Roman empires. While the two styles of theatre were similar in many ways, they had some distinct differences that made them unique.
Structure – Greek theatres were built into hillsides to maximize the acoustics in the outdoor spaces, while Roman theatres were usually built in large rectangular areas with seating on three sides. While both styles had some seating on the fourth side (the stage), Greek theatres had a more open space for performers to move around.
Performers – In Greek theatres, actors were exclusively male and wore masks to hide their identities. This allowed them to take on different characters and roles without having to change their physical appearance.
Roman theatre was much more open, allowing both men and women to perform without masks. This allowed for a more diverse range of characters and performances.
Costumes – Greek plays often used vivid costumes to create an atmosphere of grandeur. The costumes were often made from brightly coloured fabrics with elaborate designs, and actors would wear masks to more clearly define their characters. In Roman theatre, costumes tended to be simpler and more naturalistic; actors rarely wore masks, so it was important for them to be able to use body language and facial expressions to communicate their characters’ emotions.
Plays -Greek plays often focused on mythological stories or moral lessons while Roman plays focused more on everyday life or political issues. This difference in subject matter resulted in different types of performances; while Greek plays tended towards grand spectacle with large choruses and elaborate sets, Roman plays tended towards intimate dramas with smaller casts and minimal props or scenery.
Conclusion
The differences between Greek and Roman theatre can be seen in their structure, performers, costumes and plays. While both forms share many similarities, such as outdoor settings and focus on storytelling through performance, each style has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from the other.
How Was Roman Theatre Different From Greek Theatre? The differences between Roman theatre and Greek theatre can be seen through structure, performers, costumes and play selection which created two distinct types of theatrical performance styles during these time periods.