What Changes Did the Romans Make to Greek Theatre?

Greek Theatre|Theater

The Romans were heavily influenced by the Greek theatre when they started creating their own. From the style of plays to the theatrical conventions, many aspects of Roman theatre were inspired by that of the Greeks. However, there were some significant changes that the Romans made to Greek theatre, which helped to create a distinctively Roman form of performance.

Acting Style One of the main differences between Greek and Roman theatre was in their acting styles. The Greeks preferred a more restrained and stylised form of acting, while the Romans embraced a much more passionate and emotive style. This was due in large part to the influence of Roman drama, which focused on strong characters and powerful emotions.

Theatre Buildings The Romans also made changes to the structure and design of theatre buildings. The Greeks typically performed their plays outside in amphitheatres, while the Romans built indoor theatres with a stage at one end and seating arranged in tiers around it. This allowed for a more intimate performance experience as well as allowing for sets and props to be used in productions.

Costumes Another difference between Greek and Roman theatre was in the costumes used by actors. While both cultures used elaborate masks and costumes to represent characters on stage, the Romans tended to use more realistic designs that better reflected their society at that time. This allowed for greater characterisation and expression on stage, as well as making it easier for audiences to relate to what they were seeing on stage.

Plays Finally, there was a difference in the types of plays produced by each culture. The Greeks primarily wrote tragedies that focused on larger-than-life figures from mythology or history, while the Romans wrote comedies about everyday people with relatable problems or situations. This change helped make Roman plays more accessible to wider audiences, which further encouraged its popularity throughout the Empire.

Conclusion

The Romans made numerous changes to Greek theatre when they began creating their own form of performance art. These changes included an altered acting style, different types of plays written, different costume designs used, and an entirely new type of theatre building design. These changes helped create a distinctive form of theatre that is still popular today.