Table of Contents

List of illustrations Preface 1. AN AUDIENCE IN SEARCH OF A THEATRE 2. THE FAMOUS COMIC PLAYWRIGHTS OF ROME 3. EARLY ROMAN STAGES 4. A FUNNY THING: PERFORMING A PLAY BY PLAUTUS 5. TRAGEDY, MIME, AND PANTOMIME 6. LATER STAGES AND STAGINGS POSTLUDE: A THEATRE IN SEARCH OF AN AUDIENCE Notes Bibliography Index

About the Author

Richard C. Beacham is Professor of Theatre Studies, University of Warwick.

Reviews

The Roman Theatre and Its Audience deals not only with every era but with every genre that entertained the sons of Romulus… Beacham charts the transformation of sedate Hellenistic comedy into raucous entertainment suitable for the Roman spectators described by Horace as potus et exlex (‘drunk and disorderly’).
*Times Literary Supplement*

Those who seek a general introduction to the theatrical life of ancient Rome have long been underserved… Beacham’s history of theatre at Rome from its beginnings until the end of the Roman empire is therefore most welcome… Through his synthesis of ancient art and anecdotes, previous scholarship, and his own insights, Beacham has done a great service. For anyone wishing to gain an entry into the strange and complex world of the Roman theatre, Beacham’s book is an excellent place to start.
*Theatre Journal*

A fine piece of work… [Beacham’s] theories about mime, pantomime, and Roman wall painting will stir much discussion, and his book will be valued by all who are interested in the theatre of the ancient world.
*Classical Philology*