The profession of acting presented some interesting contradictions. Acting was considered an infamia (disreputable), among the lowest of the Romans in social status, but some actors obtained reputations, adulation, and adoration from people of all walks of life, and others became the lovers of empresses or victims of emperors. Most actors began as slaves or as freedmen who had been sent to work as members of a troupe. At first despised offstage, the influence of the Greeks was seen in the gradual acceptance of actors. By the late Republic, two actors, Roscius the comedian and Aesopus the tragedian, frequented the best social circles and were becoming wealthy
With the founding of the Roman Empire, the acting profession took a major step forward. As all forms of performances became associated with either public recreation or private display, the lavishness of productions increased. Costumes were improved, decorations or sets made larger, and even the size of the cast grew from the traditional Greek three to many In the Theater of Pom-pey, actual horses were used to show the sack of a city. Women were not a key part of the Roman theater. They were allowed some roles in mimes, and not until very late did they appear in comedies. in drama or in tragedy their parts were played by men. it was Roscius who introduced the wearing of masks to heighten effect. Previously makeup and wigs served the same purpose.
The two most famous actors of the Augustan Age were Bathyllus and Pylades. While Pylades was eventually exiled, his rival was an excellent example of the rising station of the actor. originally from Alexandria, he served as the freedman of Gaius Maecenas, who became his patron. With such help, Bathyllus received money and approval from Augustus. Later, in the reign of gaius CALIGULA, Mnester, the most famous and arrogant actor of the day, secured the favor of the emperor. surviving Caligula’s fall, he was honored at the court of CLAUDIUS. Unfortunately, he attracted messallina and spent much time unsuccessfully avoiding her unwanted attentions. When she was finally put to death in 48 C. E., Mnester joined her, mainly because of the plottings of Claudius’s freedmen. A similar fate was suffered by two actors named Paris. The first tried to teach nero how to mime, and when the emperor proved a dismal failure, Paris was put to death in 67. The other Paris, loved by domitian’s wife, Domitia Longina, was hunted down by the emperor and murdered in the street.
Theaters and amphitheaters Places of amusement for the Romans and an integral part of the government’s commitment to entertaining the masses. in the provinces the structures were symbols of successful Romanization and the claim to civilization.
World History
