Transcript public buildings - theatres - History

PUBLIC BUILDINGS THEATRES
POMPEII
HERCULANEUM
PERFORMANCES AND ACTORS
Theatres in Pompeii
The Theatre complex in Pompeii is located in the
city’s south, a short distance from the forum. It
includes the large Great Theatre, the smaller covered
Odeon, and the spacious foyer area adjoining the two.
The Great Theatre hosted various performances and
events, including Greek and Roman comedies and
tragedies, farces, and mimes. The Odeon was used for
recitals and oratory displays. The impressive
architecture and lavish decoration of the theatres, as
well as evidence of extensive patronage of theatre
performances by influential families indicates the
significance of theatres as public buildings in Pompeii.
Aerial photograph of the Pompeii
Theatre complex
This photograph shows
the Great Theatre, Odeon,
and adjoining
quadriporticus.
The size of the area
dedicated to these
buildings in the city of
Pompeii indicates the
significance of theatre as a
social and cultural aspect
of life in Pompeii. The
size of the quadriportico
area suggests that
performances were very
well attended.
the great theatre
The Great Theatre had
an estimated seating
capacity of around
5000. This number has
been used, along with
other public buildings,
to gauge an
approximation of
Pompeii’s population.
The Odeon
The heirarchal seating order
introduced by Augustus can be
observed at the Odeon.The
widest tiers nearest the stage
were reserved for authorities,
prominent individuals and
politicians. The largest, middle
section was for freeborn men,
and the highest section for
women. This arrangement had
implications in general social
and political life.
Vitruvius, De Architectura, V.3, 6-8
“The voice is like a flowing
breath of air.. It moves by the
endless formation of circles…
the voice advances horizontally
and mounts upward step by
step…so long as no obstacle
interferes, they will reach the
ears of the spectators without
echoing, those in the lowermost
seats as well as those in the
highest. Therefore, the
architects…perfected the
stepped seating of theatres after
their research into the rising of
the voice”
Vitruvius refers to the
acoustic perfection of the
Roman theatre design
used in Pompeii.
The applications of this
architectural and
engineering knowledge
are evidence of the Roman
and Greek architectural
influences in Pompeii.
Performances and actors
Theatrical performances were significant events in Pompeii
and Herculaneum.
Performances were sponsored by magistrates, often for
religious festivities, the dedication of a monument, a funeral,
or other occasions. They included traditional tragedies and
comedies, farces, and mime. They also featured well-known
actors, special effects such as fire and smoke, perfumed water
and awnings for audiences, and appearances from influential
families and politicians.
The range of sources on performances and actors give detailed
information on the social, political, and cultural aspects of
Pompeii and Herculaneum associated with the popularity of
the theatre.
Mosaic From Villa of Cicero (3rd
Century)
A mosaic by Dioskourides
of Samos depicts a scene
from a Greek comedy, found
in the Villa of Cicero.
This source is evidence of
the type of dramatic
performances that may have
been taken place in the
theatres at Pompeii and
Herculaneum – for example,
traditional Greek drama.
Bronze portrait bust of actor from
Temple of Isis, Pompeii
This portrait in bronze, or
bust, depicts a famous
actor of the 1st century,
Norbanus Sorex. It was
found in the Temple of Isis
in Pompeii.
The fact that a depiction of
an actor was included in
one of Pompeii’s most
important religious
buildings is testament to
the extreme popularity and
significance of actors and
theatre in Pompeii and
Herculaneum.
Theatrical mask from the courtyard of
the House of Neptune and Amphitrite,
Herculaneum
This sculpture of a theatrical
mask was found in excavations
at Herculaneum. Masks similar
to this one would have been
used in traditional performances
for different characters and for
amplifying the voice.
This source, and similar
theatrical motifs in decorations
of houses and buildings in both
towns, establishes the
importance and popularity of
theatre, as well as giving
information about the nature of
performances.
Graffiti referring to famous actor,
Pompeii
“Paris, pearl of
the stage”
“Unsurpassed
Paris, triumph!”
“I beg you to
make Gais
Cuspius Pansa
Aedile. Purpurio,
with the fans
of Paris”
Graffiti on tomb facades near
the amphitheatre and along the
Street of abundance in Pompeii
refer to a particularly well –
known actor, Paris.
These sources give evidence
about the social aspects of the
theatre. Fan clubs for favourite
actors existed, and performers
would travel from town to
town. The 3rd inscription also
suggests that the theatre was an
important political tool and
social indicator.
Theatre at Herculaneum
Herculaneum had a smaller, though possibly wealthier,
population than Pompeii. The theatre there was one of the
towns most impressive buildings, including a two-storey
façade of arches and pillars. Gilded statues of emperors
and influential individuals stood on top, and the interior
contained lavishly decorated columns and statue niches
The well-preserved wealthy houses in Herculaneum
contain a large number of theatrical references in artworks
and decorations, and actors and performances are attested
in graffiti.
The archaeological context of the theatre at Herculaneum
offers insight on various aspects of cultural, social, and
political structures.
Replica of Theatre at
Herculaneum
This reconstruction of the
Roman style theatre building at
Herculaneum shows its
distinctive features.
The lavish design and
decoration, as well as the size
of the building, suggest that
significant government funds
and energy were directed
towards theatrical pursuits.
This source is particularly
useful, as much of the valuable
art and architecture from the
theatre at Herculaneum was
destroyed by early ‘excavators’,
who were not concerned with
preserving the building itself.
Statue inscriptions referring to
influential politicians and
individuals, Herculaneum Theatre
"Raised to Marcus
Nonius Balbus, son
of Marcus, prætor
and proconsul, by
the decree of the
decuriones."
"The men of
Herculaneum
(raised this statue)
to Marcus Nonius
Balbus, son of
Marcus, præor and
proconsul."
The Balbus family were
highly influential and powerful
in Herculaneum. Statues of
Marcus Nonius Balbus and his
son stood in the theatre,
accompanied by these
inscriptions.
This source demonstrates the
political dimension of the
theatre. Political candidates
sought popularity by staging
events, and the public arena of
the theatre was used to
recognise those who had
contributed to it and the city in
general.
Fresco depicting actor and
theatre implements,
Herculaneum
This wall painting was found in
a wealthy house on
Herculaneum. It shows an actor
holding props, and a traditional
theatre mask.
This fresco is typical of
dramatic motifs from houses in
Herculaneum. It once again
emphasises the popularity of the
theatre in the societies of
Vesuvius, as well as giving
details on the type of
performances and devices used.
Dio Cassius, lib. lxvi.
“Day was turned into
night, and light into
darkness;-an
inexpressible quantity
of dust and ashes was
poured out, deluging
land, sea, and air, and
burying two entire
cities, Pompeii and
Herculaneum, while
the people were sitting
in the theatre.”
Dio Cassius’ abbreviated
account of the eruption of
Vesuvius states that the
people of Herculaneum
were in the theatre when
the events took place.
This indicates that
performances were still
taking place right up until
the eruption, and that they
were attended in large
numbers. However, the
accuracy of Dio Cassius’
account is questionable.