For the early period, there is a compact section in Harnack's Mission
and Expansion of Christianity in the First Three Centuries (Moffatt's
1908 translation; see the 1924\4th German ed also), volume 1, pages
300-303. Here is the text; the footnotes are much longer!
<quote>
The warfare against polytheism was also waged by means of a
thoroughgoing opposition to the theatre and to all the games. Anyone who
considers the significance\2/ of these features in ancient life and
their close connection with idolatry,\3/ knows [[301]] what a polemic
against them implied. But we may point out that existence, in case of
vast numbers of people, was divided into daily drudgery and -- "panis et
circenses" (free food and the theatre). No member of the Christian
church was allowed to be an actor or gladiator, to teach acting (see
Cypr. Epist. 2), or to attend the theatre.\1/ The earliest flash of
polemic occurs in the Oratio of Tatian (22-23), and it was followed by
others, including the treatises of Tertullian and pseudo-Cyprian
(Novatian) de Spectaculis, and the discussions of Lactantius.\2/ [[302]]
These writings by themselves are enough to show that the above
prohibitions were not universally obeyed.\1/ The passion for public
games was almost irresistible, and Tertullian has actually to hold out
hopes of the spectacle afforded by the future world as a compensation to
Christians who were robbed of their shows in the present.\2/ Still, the
conflict with these shows was by no means in vain. On the contrary, its
effects along this line were greater than along other lines. By the time
that Constantine granted privileges to the church, public opinion had
developed [[303]] to such a pitch that the state immediately adopted
measures for curtailing and restricting the public spectacles.\1/
</quote>
Some minor adjustments are suggested below as well.
Bob Kraft, UPenn
> Dear M.R. Friends,
> We know very little about theatre and performance during the
> latter period of the Roman Empire, and even less about the so
> called "Dark Ages". Various sources cite a few names and events,
> but usually go no further than that.
> I have compiled the following list of events and people
> which I would like to investigate. Can anyone provide me with
> sources for these items? Can anyone add to the list? I realize
> that this is a lot to ask all at once, but I would be extremely
> grateful for any help I can get.
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
>
> EDICTS OF THE CHURCH REGARDING ACTORS AND ACTING.
>
insert earlier evidence [see Harnack's notes] from
Tatian
Tertullian
Cyprian
Novatian
Lactantius
Arnobius
Minucius Felix
> A.D.
> 300 Something (Synod? Council?) at Elvira.
> 3l4 Council of Aries [[**Arles]].
> 34l-38l Laedicean [[**Laodicean?]] Council.
> 397 Council of Carthage.
> 398 Fourth Council at Carthage.
> 397 African Church decree.
>
> St. John Chrysostom preached very strong sermons against the
> theatre, as did Tertullien and Lactantius.
[[remainder removed]]
> Thank you very much,
>
> C. Thomas Ault
> Theatre Department
> Indian [[**sic!]] University of Pennsylvania
> Indiana, Pa. 15707, USA
> E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
> Phone: 412-357-2169
> FAX: 412-357-7899
>
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