THEATRE ARCHITECTURE GREEK THEATRE THE GREEK AMPHITHEATRE The

  • Slides: 19
Download presentation
THEATRE ARCHITECTURE � GREEK THEATRE

THEATRE ARCHITECTURE � GREEK THEATRE

THE GREEK AMPHITHEATRE -The Steep Seating Area usually was dug into a hill side

THE GREEK AMPHITHEATRE -The Steep Seating Area usually was dug into a hill side and surrounded the acting area on 3 sides -The seating area was known as “THEATRON” -Theatron translates to “Watching Place” -The circular performance space is known as the “Orchestra” -The Stage House as the back of the Orchestra is known as the “SKENE” (Skee-nee) -Skene is the origin of the word S-C-E-N-E

Skene � � It is believed that the skene was used to house stage

Skene � � It is believed that the skene was used to house stage machinery, storage for props and costumes, possible dressing/break rooms Usually the Skene had Multiple Doorways and arches to serve as entranceways for performers The “Paraskenia” were long high walls that extended off the skene There was sometimes a small platform that would jut out from the Paraskenia

� � Later there would be a small elevated stage in front of the

� � Later there would be a small elevated stage in front of the skene. At the back of this stage would be a collumned arch right in front of the skene This arch became known as the “Proskenium”or “Proskenion” The word Proscenium is derived from “Proskenium”

THEATRE ARCHITECTURE � ROMAN THEATRE

THEATRE ARCHITECTURE � ROMAN THEATRE

THE ROMAN THEATRE -The Romans continued to use Greek Amphitheatres but they also started

THE ROMAN THEATRE -The Romans continued to use Greek Amphitheatres but they also started to develop their own style of Theater -The Roman Style is a modified version of the Greek form -Roman Theaters were built on flat land not on the hillsides that the Greeks prefered. -Roman Theatres also became a consolidated structure connecting the Orchestra, Theatron, and Skene

ROMAN THEATER � � � The theatron area that sat the audience became known

ROMAN THEATER � � � The theatron area that sat the audience became known as the “cavea” or “AUDITORIUM” Translates to Listening Place The cavea became a semi circle shape around the semi-circle shaped orchestra The skene was transformed into an elaboratley decorated single façade known as “Scaenae Frons”

Roman Theaters � � A roofing system was developed for some of theatres The

Roman Theaters � � A roofing system was developed for some of theatres The roof extended from the scaenae frons to the edge of the proscenium Some of the Theaters even had an Awning that covered the Auditorium known as the “Velum” Circuses, Gladiator Games, Lion Feedings, and Races led to the creation of other Roman Theaters

Rise of the ARENA THEATER

Rise of the ARENA THEATER

Arena Theater � � � Arena Theaters were as if two Roman Theaters were

Arena Theater � � � Arena Theaters were as if two Roman Theaters were put back to back and had their Skene removed It had the audience totally encompass the performance area This allowed for Thousands of people to attend events such as chariot races and gladiator games

Arena Architecture � � The adoption of the Archway in Roman architecture led to

Arena Architecture � � The adoption of the Archway in Roman architecture led to the ability to build taller structures creating steeper seating This steep seating would allow for good sight lines and aid in acoustics and are still used today and known as Stadium Seating Another architectural advancement was the use of the VOMITORIUM Vomitorium (Vom) are tunnels built into the seating area that would allow thousands of people to exit the stadium quickly

Did he say VOMITorium? ! � � � The origin of the name was

Did he say VOMITorium? ! � � � The origin of the name was thought to be because these events would last all day and would be fueled with gluttonous feasts of wine and food If a patron felt the need to purge themselves they would go to the vomitorium A more modern interpretation is that at the events end, It would look as if the Stadium was “Vomiting” out people as thousands exited the stands through the Vomitoriums

Vomitorium � Vomitoriums are still used today!

Vomitorium � Vomitoriums are still used today!

The End of Rome After the fall of the Roman Empire there was a

The End of Rome After the fall of the Roman Empire there was a period of 500 years where Theaters and Arenas structures were not used and fell into dis-repair � Even the gorgeous marble and stone façade of the Coliseum was pillaged leaving a broken skeleton of a grand stadium �