Arena

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).

Use 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