Hi, hope you all had a nice weekend *groans at the thought of Monday*
Just some quick questions to help with my Classical Civilisations essay on the popularity of Roman Theatre in modern day society (it's much more interesting than it sounds believe me ).
Are there any modern day performances of Roman plays where they still use the classical style (such as masks, original translated texts, over exaggerated emotional acting etc...), or modern day adaptions of Roman plays, or plays where they use Roman ideas (such as the masks to convey emotion)?
I know that Roman mime is very similar to our modern day pantomime but I'm looking for evidence that roman plays are still performed in the classical style/use classical techniques, or else adaptions of Roman plays of it are still shown.... *eep!*
I was also wondering if anyone knew how many roman people viewed the average play, preferably at Pompey's Theatre? Just to show evidence for its popularity in those times.
I know they are toughies but i try and find out most things for myself unless i get really stuck.
thank you thank you thank you, any help is much appreciated
Much Kudos
Emily x

What a difficult question.

For reconstructions of the actual building, you need to see this illustration and this article.

On re-enactments - are this site or this site any use?
Try googling
roman theatre modern performances

i believe that at pompeii, the entire population, even slaves, went to the theatre. This was because it was a great festival - one of the only forms of entertainment. People were given the day off to go and watch the plays. The event went on all day and admission was free - hence the popularity. . . The aedile or duovile for that time would have sponsored it. Hope this helps!

thank you very much for both answers, i especially found using MASC a very easy example of modern day Roman theatre, thank you!