Ara Pacis Museum – Exhibition Space (Via di Ripetta 180)
May 21st – November 3rd 2024
https://www.arapacis.it/it/mostra-evento/theatrum-attori-autori-e-storie-del-teatro-antico
In the exhibition “THEATRE. Authors, Actors, and Audiences in Ancient Rome” at the Ara Pacis Museum from May 21st to November 3rd features over 240 works from 25 different lenders are present. The Fondazione Sorgente Group is participating with three important works from the Archaeological Collection: the Parian marble Portrait of Marcellus, dating to 25-20 B.C.; the bronze Mask of Papposilenos, from the first half of the 1st century BC; and the painted terracotta Statuette of a Comic Actor, dating to the 3rd-2nd century B.C.
The exhibition is arranged chronologically, beginning in the first rooms with Greek theatre from the 6th and 5th centuries B.C., with Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. It then follows a compelling journey through the history and locations of Etruria, all the way to Magna Graecia, culminating in the great monumental theatres of Imperial Rome, Pompey, Balbus, and Marcellus.
The theatrical mask, in its many aspects, shapes, and dimensions, remains the underlying theme of this exhibition. It highlights, through seven sections, the different historical periods and the evolution of theatre in its continuous adaptation to society. In masks, such as those from Pompeii, never before exhibited, is it possible to recognize the various characters and “characters” that animated the scenes, and whose typification has been passed down to modern theatre. The same can be said for the imposing marble statues used for decorative purposes.
The ancient musical instruments used during performances have been reconstructed, allowing visitors to experience their sounds. A small wooden theatre has also been reconstructed within the exhibition, where visitors can watch a show featuring actors wearing masks, reminiscent of ancient performances.
