Jeenouse Sadri Sadri 1 Lezlie Cross
THTR 481
September 14, 2017
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: The Acropolis of Wonder Located in one of the legendary sites beneath Acropolis lays the
magnificent theatre known as Odeon of Herodes Atticus. When the Pausanias discovered Athens approximating the time of ruling of Marcus Aurelius, the theatre was precisely quoted, “the finest building of its type”. But what was the true meaning and significance of this historical building? In this essay I will be describing what the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is and the meaning and significance of this important historical site.
Formerly recalled by locals as “Herodeon”, the site had been constructed between the times of 160 AD to 174 AD by the affluent benefactor of Athens, Herodes Atticus. Atticus was a very prominent Roman philosopher, politician, and teacher. This site was originally built as a dedication to his late wife Aspasia Rigilla who had passed away in 160 AD. It was said that his wife had been killed, in which Herodes Atticus had built the Odeon in order to take away his pain and guilt of his dearly beloved wife. The site was known to be the third Odeon
Sadri 2 constructed in the ancient times of Athens. It consists of Roman arches with a
three story staged building. It was built in a very similar fashion to the Roman theatres. The Odeon was originally partly covered with tiled roof and even wood. A cedar roof was built over the theatre, thus improving the acoustics of the site. Precisely, it was covered by a roof with beams of Lebanese cedar. Even though the roof itself had no appropriate support columns, at that particular time it was still quite an architectural achievement. The building’s very large and expansive facade had approximately four arched stories, three of them which being partially visible to the public’s eye. The niches of the building contained statues of the nine muses.
This particular round orchestra is now a half circle carved with black and white marble. Having approximately thirty-five rows in it, the extraordinary auditorium expands just faintly beyond a half circle with an approximate diameter of eighty meters which has a seating of about 4,680 people as of today.
The original structure of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus had unfortunately been taken apart and destroyed during the powerful invasion of Eroulio in 268 BC. It was after some period of time that a bit of restoration and rebuilding had taken place. It was around the 1950’s when the building was renovated with pentelic
Sadri 3 marble. The historic site of Odeon of Herodes Atticus was meant as a venue for
entertainment and event public events for people to come and visit.
The Romans had created their unique plays quite differently from the Greeks at the time. The actors had performed on the front part of the stage
known as the Proscenium in which the Greeks had only played in the orchestra previously. During the Roman reign, the Romans had quite a bit of different tastes than the Greeks typically had, as particularly only gladiator sea battles or fights could be performed at this time during the time.
It was around the time of German occupation (which took place from the years of 1941-1944) that the Odeon of Herodes Atticus hosted more various performances such as ones by the Athens of State Orchestra. Also performing at this historical site were the newly formed Greek National Opera with the young Maria Callas, otherwise known as Maria Kalogeropoulou. Kalogeropoulou was known to be the lead singer of Beethoven’s Fidelio and Kalomoiris The Master Builder. During the year of 1962, famous singer Frank Sinatra gave two Benefit concerts for the city of Athens. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was the even the main venue for the Miss Universe 1973 pageant.
Finally it was around the 1950’s when the venue was rebuilt for its grand reopening in 1955. Right now it is the prime location for the Athens and
Sadri 4 Epidaurus Festival. Today, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus still remains to be one
of the festival’s principal venues. All of the events are held from May to early October. From seeing the distinguishing arias and ballet, to beautiful ancient Greek tragedies, witnessing the entertainment and theatrical performances here will be unlike anything you will ever see.
I feel that the Greek theatre was used in many ways. Entertainment and arts could have been one of the main reasons of its use because the way it is staged (skene, orchestra, parados and teatron.) There could have not been any major fights or battles because it is not quite shaped like an arena. At most they may have perhaps staged combats in this location. The way it was created as well using marbles and ceramic shows that the theatre was used for something of classical and of simpler importance as well. If the Greeks wanted to fight, they would have used a dome-shaped arena instead of a teatron.
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Sources
Admin. “Odeion of Herodes Atticus (Herodion).” City of Athens , 28 July 2014,
city-of-athens.com/athens-herodion-theatre-odeon-of-herodes-atticus/ancient-the atres/140.html. Accessed 16 Sept. 2017.
Alia, Marcus. “Odeon of Herod Atticus.” GTP , 13 May 2014, www.gtp.gr/TDirectoryDetails.asp?ID=80171. Accessed 17 Sept. 2017.
Harry Langfield. “Odeon of Herod Atticus.” Athens Sights – Odeon of Herod Atticus Page 1 , www.greeceathensaegeaninfo.com/h-athens/ancient/odeon-herod-atticus.htm. Accessed 17 Sept. 2017.
Ruiz, George. “Odeon of Herodes Atticus: History, Pictures and Useful Information.” Vision – Past & Present , 22 Dec. 2016, www.visionpubl.com/en/cities/athens/odeon-herodes-atticus/. Accessed 16 Sept. 2017.
Sadri 6 www.whitman.edu/theatre/theatretour/herodes%20atticus/herodes_atticus.htm.
“Herodes Atticus theatre.” Herodes Atticus Theatre , Accessed 26 Sept. 2017.
“Resource: Greek theatre.” British Museum , www.britishmuseum.org/learning/schools_and_teachers/resources/all_resources/ resource_greek_theatre.aspx. Accessed 26 Sept. 2017.