What Are Three Ways Roman Theatre Differed From Greek Theatre?

Greek Theatre|Theater

The Roman theatre of antiquity was a far cry from the Greek theatre from which it originated. While the two types of theatre had many similarities, there were three major ways in which the Roman theatre differed from the Greek.

Theatrical Space

Greek theatre was designed with an open air amphitheatre, while Roman theatres were typically built within a large interior space. This allowed for a more controlled environment and a higher degree of privacy for the actors and audience. It also meant that the audience was able to get much closer to the action on stage than they would have been able to in an open air amphitheatre.

Audience Participation

The Greek audience was much more active in their participation than their Roman counterparts. The Greeks would often shout out comments or advice to the actors on stage and interact with them throughout the performance. In contrast, Roman audiences were much more passive and simply watched in silence as the actors performed their plays.

Scenery

The Greeks used little or no scenery in their productions, relying instead on spoken dialogue and song to convey story elements. The Romans, however, made extensive use of scenery to create a sense of place and atmosphere for their plays.

They also employed elaborate costumes, props, and special effects such as trapdoors and curtains to further enhance the theatrical experience for their audiences.

Conclusion:

Roman theatre differed from Greek theatre in its use of theatrical space, audience participation, and scenery. These differences allowed for a more intimate experience between actors and audiences as well as a richer visual experience for viewers of Roman plays.