For the Romans, much of life was seen, expressed and experienced as a form of theatre. In their homes, patrons performed the lead, with a supporting cast of residents and visitors. This sumptuously illustrated book, the result of extensive interdisciplinary research, is the first to investigate, describe and show how ancient Roman houses and villas, in their décor, spaces, activities and function, could constitute highly-theatricalised environments, indeed, a sort of 'living theatre'. Their layout, purpose and use reflected and informed a culture in which theatre was both a major medium of entertainment and communication and an art form drawing upon myths exploring the core values and beliefs of society. For elite Romans, their homes, as veritable stage-sets, served as visible and tangible expressions of their owners' prestige, importance and achievements. The Roman home was a carefully crafted realm in which patrons displayed themselves, while 'stage-managing' the behaviour and responses of visitor-spectators.

‘[T]his excellent book paves the way to expand research on the acculturation of the audiences. What can analysis of textual and visual evidence tell us about the attitudes of a fuller cross-section of ancient Roman theater-goers. For example, what attitudes did foreigners, enslaved individuals, and women have toward both the built forms of theaters? How did their ‘encyclopedia’ of visual representations of theatrical forms inform their reactions to the painted interiors of Roman houses? This, of course, is work that Denard and Beacham have laid the groundwork for.’

John R. Clarke Source: Bryn Mawr Classical Review