Living Theatre in the Ancient Roman House *US HARDCOVER* Theatricalism in the Domestic Sphere by Richard Beacham-9781316510940

Overview of Living Theatre in the Ancient Roman House: Theatricalism in the Domestic Sphere
Authors: Richard C. Beacham and Hugh Denard

Key Themes:

The Roman house as a stage for self-presentation and social performance.
Integration of theatrical elements like décor, architecture, and activities into domestic life.
Understanding Roman houses as expressions of the owner's prestige and social status.
The influence of theatrical productions on domestic display and behavior.
Features:

Interdisciplinary Approach: Combines insights from archaeology, classics, theater studies, and visual culture.
Rich Visual Content: Utilizes illustrations and reconstructions to enhance understanding of Roman houses.
Focus on Lived Experience: Examines the daily lives of Romans within the theatricalized domestic sphere.
Analysis of Wall Paintings: Explores how artwork in Roman houses referenced theatrical themes and performances.
Compares Domestic Theatricality to Public Theater: Draws connections between Roman theatrical productions and domestic displays.
Target Audience:

Classics scholars with an interest in Roman social history and material culture.
Theater historians seeking to understand the broader context of Roman performance.
Anyone interested in the intersection of domestic space, social performance, and self-presentation in the ancient world.
Strengths:

Fresh Perspective: Offers a novel interpretation of Roman houses, emphasizing their theatrical aspects.
Comprehensive Analysis: Explores various elements of domestic life through a theatrical lens.
Evidence-Based: Integrates archaeological finds, literary sources, and visual art for a well-rounded picture.
Engaging Writing Style: Makes complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.
Broadens Understanding of Roman Culture: Provides new insights into Roman social customs and elite self-fashioning.
Chapter Headlines (Examples):

Roman Theatricality and Theatricalism
The Stage is Set: Architecture and Spatial Dynamics of the Roman House
Domestic Spectacle: Décor, Display, and Performance in the Roman Atrium
Wall Paintings and the Theatrical Imagination
Staging Social Life: Feasts, Entertainments, and Performances in the Roman House
The Roman House and the Public Theater: Points of Contact and Divergence
Closing Paragraph:

Living Theatre in the Ancient Roman House challenges readers to see Roman houses as more than just physical structures. By revealing the theatrical elements woven into domestic spaces, the book sheds light on how Romans used their homes to perform their social identities, cultivate status, and participate in a broader cultural conversation that blurred the lines between public spectacle and private life.