Explores Vitruvius and the Greek stage, weighing long‑standing debates about how ancient theatres were built and used.
This volume guides readers through competing theories, from Dorpfeld’s raised platforms to the idea of a Greek stage without a fixed proscenium, and it traces how scholars like Haigh, Verrall, and White challenged old assumptions.
Using a careful review of ancient texts, architectural diagrams, and critical analyses, the author examines what the evidence says about stages, arched walls, and the roles of actors and chorus in different Greek theatres. The discussion shows how interpretations evolved as new discoveries and scholarly methods emerged.
- Key theories about the proscenium, the orchestra, and the front of the stage.
- How different editors and translators influenced our understanding of Vitruvius.
- Assessments of the Greek theatre at Athens and Epidaurus through extant plays and ruins.
- The interplay of ancient sources and modern archaeology in shaping a consensus.
Ideal for readers of classical philology, theatre history, and ancient architecture who want a clear, evidence‑based look at Greek stage design.