Theatre of Hierapolis, scaenae frons · Wikimedia Commons

Hierapolis Theatre

Theatrum Hierapolitanum

TheaterAsia · Pamukkale, Denizli Province, TurkeyBuilt 90 CE

About

The earthquake of 60 CE flattened the original Hellenistic theatre; the cavea and stage building standing today were rebuilt under the Flavian emperors in the following decades, replacing an earlier theatre slightly to the northeast. A gallery inscription records further work done under Hadrian after 117 CE, and Septimius Severus redecorated the stage front a century later, but the Flavian-era structure itself was already complete and in use well before Trajan's death.

What happened here

Seating is the message: the front rows are reserved by law for the town council, and everyone can see who is sitting where. The building is a half-circle against a tall stone backdrop that also serves as a permanent set, and the acoustics are good enough that an actor can be heard without effort. The programme is mime and pantomime more than the old tragedies — bawdy, topical, sometimes politically sharp enough that performers get exiled. Audiences are loud, partisan, and quite prepared to shout a piece down. Awnings and perfumed water sprays are laid on when the sponsor is generous. Shows are attached to religious festivals and paid for by a magistrate who wants the credit, and his name is on the seating.