Living Theatre in the Ancient Roman House
Theatricalism in the Domestic Sphere

This book explores and illustrates how ancient Roman houses and villas, in their décor, activities, and function were highly-theatricalised environments.

Richard C. Beacham (Author), Hugh Denard (Author)

9781316510940, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 12 January 2023

552 pages
28.6 x 22.2 x 3.1 cm, 1.75 kg

For the Romans, much of life was seen, expressed and experienced as a form of theatre. In their homes, patrons performed the lead, with a supporting cast of residents and visitors. This sumptuously illustrated book, the result of extensive interdisciplinary research, is the first to investigate, describe and show how ancient Roman houses and villas, in their décor, spaces, activities and function, could constitute highly-theatricalised environments, indeed, a sort of 'living theatre'. Their layout, purpose and use reflected and informed a culture in which theatre was both a major medium of entertainment and communication and an art form drawing upon myths exploring the core values and beliefs of society. For elite Romans, their homes, as veritable stage-sets, served as visible and tangible expressions of their owners' prestige, importance and achievements. The Roman home was a carefully crafted realm in which patrons displayed themselves, while 'stage-managing' the behaviour and responses of visitor-spectators.

1. Roman theatricality and theatricalism
2. Theatrical life at Pompeii
3. Performance at Pompeii and the range of Roman theatrical entertainments
4. Politics and patronage at Pompeii
5. Theatricalism and the Roman house
6. Skenographia: theatricality and theatricalism in Second Style frescoes
7. Skenographia at Boscoreale, Oplontis and Pompeii
8. Skenographia on the Palatine and at Pompeii
9. Fourth Style Skenographia
10. Triclinium theatricality.

Subject Areas: Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1]