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CHAP VIII.
OF THE THEATRE OF THE GREEKS.
IN the Greek theatre the mode of construction is, in some
respects, dissimilar to that which obtains in the Roman; for
instead of four equilateral triangles, which are inscribed in
the circle of the orchestra of the Roman theatre, the Greeks
made use of three squares, whose angles touch the periphery.
That side of one of the squares which is nearest to the
intended situation of the scene determines the extent of the
proscenium: and a line drawn parallel to it through the
point of curvature most distant from the auditory marks the
front of the scene. A diameter of the circle is drawn
parallel to the front of the proscenium intersecting the
circle in two points: these are assumed as centres, from
which arcs are described, extending from the extreme points
of the diameter to the front of the proscenium. Thus the
orchestra of the Greek theatre, described with three centres,
is more spacious than that of the Roman; the scene more
distant, and the pulpitum, which is termed logeion, is less
in width. For with the Greeks dramatic performances
alone are exhibited on the stage, and all other theatrical
representations take place in the orchestra: whence it is