While Byzantium did not like Roman entertainments, it loved its Greek heritage. Thus, it sought to preserve its Greek heritage. In an odd combination of events, Byzantium strived to keep Greek culture through theatre, but did not want to admit to Roman influence. This is odd because both cultures had their own gods. It is not certain why they viewed Greek entertainment as okay while they viewed Roman entertainment as something to be hated.
Scholars focused on three aspects of classical Greek drama: scholastic, popularity, and religiosity. The last part brings up the question if Byzantine had any Christian drama. It is thought they they did because there is evidence of performances happening. Among existing homilies, there is a play called Christos Paschon or Christiens Patiens. There is also a passion play in 10 scenes.
One of the major supports for evidence of liturgical ever existing in Byzantium is the account of the visit of Bishop Liutprand of Cremona. He was sent as an ambassador to Byzntium by the German ruler Otto. Liutpruand wrote that he experienced liturgical drama while there.it is known that the attitude towards theatre was ambivalent. The Hippodrome, which was patterned after the Circum Maximum, regularly held chariot races. It also hosted liturgical processions.
It is thought that this continued through the time of the Byzantine empire. However, it is not certain and is constantly debated among Scholars.
Once again, sorry for this blog post being so late. My air conditioning still isn't fixed, I had to take care of a medical issue, and I had to deal with Internet problems.
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