The Formation of Byzantine “Theatron”

Abstract

Abstract: “Theatron” is a unique phenomenon in the Byzantine literature. It is an issue of both the semantic evolution of theatrical terms and Byzantine political semantic field. Originally, it referred to any kind of performance or wonders which occurred in the hippodrome, theatre or other public places. Then, it gradually evolved into a platform of literati with multiple functions, such as communication, debate, oration, entertainment, and literary publication, a platform that has the connotational characteristics of spatiality, performativity, and interactivity. As an important platform where the Byzantine liberati could display their talents and realize their aspirations, the “Theatron” made up for the stage function of the extinct ancient Greek theater. Within such a cultural atmosphere, the creative environment of literati was optimized, and the number of creative works rose up steadily. Meanwhile, it facilitated the channel for the promotion of the elite literati and ritualized the social life of the empire, which played a positive role in uniting the people and guiding the public opinion.

Key words: Byzantine literature, "Theatron" (Θεáτρov), social space, performativity, ritualization

Liu Yue, Liu Jianjun. The Formation of Byzantine “Theatron”[J]. Foreign Literature Studies, 2019, 41(3): 139-152.

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