A
Theatre reflects the values of the civilization out of which it grows.The following are the types of theatre performances an ancient Roman might have witnessed then.
Fescennine Verse
Fescennine Verse was a pioneer of Roman comedy.Ironic and improvisational(即兴的),it was used mainly at festivals or weddings,and as invective.With early native Italian funny dialogues in Latin verse,it was thought to have combined with a tradition of performances by masked dancers and musicians from Etruria.
Fabula Atellana
Fabula Atellana relied on common characters,masks,direct humor,and simple plots.They were performed by actors improvising.Fabula Atellana came from the Oscan city of Atella.There were 4 main types of characters:the braggart,the greedy blockhead,the clever hunchback and the stupid old man,like modern Punch and Judy shows.
Fabula Togata
Named for the clothing symbolic of the Roman people,Fabula Togata had various subtypes.One was the Fabula Tabernaria,named for the tavern(酒馆)where the comedy’s preferred characters,lowlifes,might be found.One describing more middle-class types,and continuing the Roman clothing theme,was the Fabula Trabeata.
Fabula Praetexta
Fabula Praetexta is the name for Roman tragedies on Roman themes,Roman history or current politics.Fabula Praetexta was less popular than tragedies on Greek themes.During the Golden Age of drama in the Middle Republic,there were four great Roman writers of tragedy,Naevius,Ennius,Pacuvius,and Accius.Of their surviving tragedies,90 titles remain.
All the performances above began as a translation of Greek forms,even to the extent of their being performed in Greek costume.
1.Where might an ancient Roman witness Fescennine Verse?
A.At a party. B.At a funeral.
C.At a wedding. D.At a concert.
2.Which type of performance describes the middle-class life?
A.Fabula Atellana. B.Fabula Tabernaria.
C.Fabula Trabeata. D.Fabula Praetexta.
3.What do the listed types of performances have in common?
A.They copy Latin dramas.
B.They take on Greek forms.
C.They reflect Roman themes.
D.They refer to Italian stories.
