Hail, Caesar

We have a long history of theater in Downey. But it doesn't compare to the history of theater in Orange, France. Here, the Romans built an amphitheater in the early first century A.D. It is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters, with the entire face of the stage still existing. The theater is still in use today—the current production is Phantom of the Opera.

"Playing a major role in the life of the citizens, who spent a large part of their free time there, the theatre was seen by the Roman authorities not only as a means of spreading Roman culture to the colonies, but also as a way of distracting them from all political activities.

"Mime, pantomime, poetry readings and the 'attelana' (a kind of farce rather like the commedia dell'arte) was the dominant form of entertainment, much of which lasted all day. For the common people, who were fond of spectacular effects, magnificent stage sets became very important, as was the use of stage machinery. The entertainment offered was open to all and free of charge." (Wikipedia)