The Roman Stage: A Short History of Latin Drama in the Time of the Republic

The Roman Stage (1964) gives a connected account of the drama of ancient Rome in its historical setting. Using original source material, whole plays as well as fragments, of tragedies, comedies and farces, it traces the development of theatre in Rome, and notes the historical importance of these plays – the Elizabeth world looked back with reverence on the days ‘when Roscius was an actor in Rome’ (Hamlet). It also examines the physical conditions of drama in Rome – the types of theatres, and their place in the lives of the Roman inhabitants.