Difference between revisions of "Arena"
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| + | The original term [[arena]] derives from the Romans and refers | ||
| + | to noun the oval space in the center of a Roman [[amphitheatre]] for gladiatorial combats or other performances, including plays. | ||
| + | ==General meaning== | ||
| + | It has since taken on a number of meanings, including a central stage, ring, area, or the like, used for sports, spectacles or other forms of entertainment, (fully or partly) surrounded by seats for spectators (e.g. a boxing arena or a circus arena). This includes a building housing such a space or arena. | ||
| + | Also referred to as a [[Stadium]]. | ||
| + | [[Arena]] has subsequently also acquired the metaphoric meaning of a field of conflict, activity, or endeavor (e.g. the arena of politics or war). | ||
| + | ==Uses in theatre== | ||
| + | The term has at least two specific uses in theatrical performances: | ||
| + | |||
| + | 1. It is used adjectivally to describe a certain type of seating and stage set up, often referred to as [[theatre-in-the-round]] or [[arena theatre]], i.e. where the outdoor format is used to have the audience seated in a semicircle or circle around the stage. Also out of doors (see the entry on '''[[Open-air theatre]]''' for example) | ||
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| + | 2. The name is used for smaller, intimate and flexible theatrical spaces used by universities and companies. There have been a large number of such named spaces in South Africa. For details and examples see the entry on '''[[The Arena]]''' | ||
== Sources == | == Sources == | ||
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| + | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arena | ||
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| + | https://www.dictionary.com/browse/arena | ||
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== Return to == | == Return to == | ||
Latest revision as of 08:17, 4 August 2023
The original term arena derives from the Romans and refers to noun the oval space in the center of a Roman amphitheatre for gladiatorial combats or other performances, including plays.
General meaning
It has since taken on a number of meanings, including a central stage, ring, area, or the like, used for sports, spectacles or other forms of entertainment, (fully or partly) surrounded by seats for spectators (e.g. a boxing arena or a circus arena). This includes a building housing such a space or arena.
Also referred to as a Stadium.
Arena has subsequently also acquired the metaphoric meaning of a field of conflict, activity, or endeavor (e.g. the arena of politics or war).
Uses in theatre
The term has at least two specific uses in theatrical performances:
1. It is used adjectivally to describe a certain type of seating and stage set up, often referred to as theatre-in-the-round or arena theatre, i.e. where the outdoor format is used to have the audience seated in a semicircle or circle around the stage. Also out of doors (see the entry on Open-air theatre for example)
2. The name is used for smaller, intimate and flexible theatrical spaces used by universities and companies. There have been a large number of such named spaces in South Africa. For details and examples see the entry on The Arena
Sources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arena
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/arena
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