This covered theatre situated near the Large Theatre was mainly used for concerts, although it also was also the chosen venue for poetry recitals.It was built by the same two duumviri responsible for the construction of the Amphitheatre during the early years of the Roman colony in an area which had originally been developed by the Samnites.
The tiered seating was cut away to one side to allow the construction of a perimeter wall designed to support the four-sided roof. The first seats in front of the orchestra hemicycle, which was paved with slabs of coloured marble chips, were reserved for the decurions and were laid out on top of four rows of wide tuff-stone steps.
The tiered seating was served by semicircular steps to the sides of the orchestra. Boxes for the guests of honour were situated on either side of the stage area from which they could be reached, while three doors in the stage wall opened onto the backstage dressing room and from here led directly outside.
Gallery 7
