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Chapter 10 - Triclinium Theatricality

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 December 2022

Richard C. Beacham
Affiliation:
King's College London
Hugh Denard
Affiliation:
King's College London
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Summary

This chapter moves from painting to ’practice’. A particularly striking example both of theatricalised domestic space and activity is seen in the layout and decoration of dining rooms (triclinia), and in the range of entertainments presented within them. We examine how, responding to changes in the political, cultural and economic conditions of Roman society during this period, these private triclinium spaces and their decorative schemes were often systematic adaptations drawing upon the continuously evolving public discourse generated by theatrical entertainments. The chapter describes the range and nature of presentations that took place within the house, primarily as part of the dinner entertainments. Our focus is upon the likely venues as well as the decor of these spaces, and how, in combination, they created highly theatricalised and richly suggestive settings for performance and its reception. We include a detailed case study of the Pompeian House of Marcus Lucretius, detailing how these elements have been synthesised through the deployment of a pervasive theatricalism to create a highly appropriate setting for visitors as they move through its various rooms and spaces

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Chapter
Information
Living Theatre in the Ancient Roman House
Theatricalism in the Domestic Sphere
, pp. 426 - 483
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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