The theatre at the centre of Roman social life

The theatre was at the centre of the city and played a central role in the life of its citizens who spent a large part of their free time there. The Roman authorities not only saw the theatre as a means of spreading Roman culture to the colonies, but also as a way of distracting them from all political activities.

Mime, pantomime, poetry readings and "attelana"

The shows were full-blown entertainments and lasted all day. The Romans were not keen on Greek tragedy which had inspired early Roman authors but preferred a rather lighter form of entertainment : mime, pantomime, poetry readings and, above all, the “attelana”, a kind of farce rather like the Commedia dell’Arte. The common people were especially fond of spectacular effects, so the stage sets were extremely important as was the use of stage machinery.

Shows at the theatre were free-of-charge and open to all. What’s more the theatre was the only public place where one could mix freely with women. However, the movement of people in the corridors and galleries was organised so as to keep the different social classes apart.