It was a sunny day around mid-afternoon in the great city of Rome and people were beginning to gather for the play being put on that evening. The crowd was rather large, more so than usual, perhaps due in part to Livius Andronicus. The Greek slave actor and playwright was extremely admired and honored, widely revered to be the most popular playwright of the time. He was commissioned to do several plays in Rome before traveling throughout the rest of Europe and so people came in droves in order to be entertained by then present day society’s premiere entertainer. The plays offered a comedic release from the tough realities of everyday Roman life and individuals of nearly every class, even slaves, attended the highly publicized events.
Like most Roman citizens of the time Atticus too wanted to see Livius’ play. He had been waiting outside the Theatre of Pompey with the rest of the crowd for nearly an hour before people began entering the theatre and finding a proper seat. As Atticus entered and took his seat he glanced down towards the stage. The semi-circular shape of the stands was met by the rather large stage area where the curtain was raised waiting to be dropped and for the show to begin. The chatter amongst the crowd was growing louder and you could sense the excitement in the air. As the stands steadily filled the tension became palpable and nearly every single person in attendance was anxiously waiting for the curtain to be dropped.
Finally the curtain fell and there stood several actors at center stage. Livius stepped forward and began the show. The content of the play referred to situations of everyday life such as sex, relationships et cetera and were somewhat of a comedic parody of the time. Much to the delight of the audience the play was a slapstick type of affair with obnoxious, obscene and quite plainly ridiculous material being performed. Throughout the duration of the show the crowd was in a roar of laughter. Atticus himself enjoyed the show quite thoroughly and left the theatre that night in a delighted state of happiness.
