Jessica Clarke, "A New History of Ancient Roman Theatre" (Liverpool UP, 2025)

*A New History of Ancient Roman Theatre* challenges the traditional literary-centric view of Roman performance by centering archaeological evidence. Historian and archaeologist Dr. Jessica Clarke demonstrates that theatrical culture in Italy evolved through indigenous "theatre temples" long before Rome established its own permanent structures. Analysis of visual culture, such as the increasing prevalence of slave and cook masks, reveals how entertainment reflected broader demographic shifts and the influx of enslaved populations. While early Italian theatres functioned as religious and political sites, the transition to imperial rule under Augustus transformed these venues into monumental symbols of state power. By mapping 90 theatre sites and nearly 1,000 artifacts, this research redefines the development of Roman theatre as a complex, non-linear phenomenon that extends far beyond the capital city’s influence.