Theatre as the Reflection of the City, Society, and Cultural Life: Space, Sound, and Performance in Greco-Roman Oratory

Abstract In this paper, spatial analysis serves as a framework for discussing the theatre – in its inner dimension and within the urban context – correlating it with performativity and the social sphere. Focusing on the theatre as applied to Greco-Roman oratory, the aim is to explore the speaker – audience interaction as pertains to space, sound, and performance. Mapping the theatrical spaces dedicated to oratory enables us to observe how terminology evolves alongside the progressive reorganization of theatrical architecture. The common perception of the theatre as a venue for gathering large crowds highlights the dividing line between erudition and entertainment that became pronounced over the Imperial period. The cultural topography emerging from literary sources suggests that theatrical buildings were perceived as amusement places where appalling outbursts of the masses played a leading role in the city’s performative agendas. Responsiveness to common taste, in alignment with prevailing trends, is exemplified by the sing-song style and other theatrical strategies employed in the Second Sophistic performance and lifestyle.