The subject of this research is the acoustic properties of ancient theatres, focusing on their
contemporary use and the effect of scenery design. Performance style, material use and
influence of architectural characteristics and evolution on acoustics are of interest. Generic
scenery designs are investigated and guidelines for architects and scenery designers are
provided.
This dissertation is organised in twelve chapters. Chapter 1 is the introduction. The literature
review is presented in Part 1. Chapter 2 examines the theory of sound in antiquity and today,
currently used acoustic indices and commonly used acoustic software. Chapter 3 describes
ancient performance spaces, in terms of layout, and forms of drama. Chapter 4 focuses on:
stage building in antiquity, revival of ancient drama and scenery design categorisation.
Part 2, the methodology, contains Chapters 5 and 6. The former examines appropriate
parameters for acoustic software use, on-site measurements, absorption coefficient
measurements and subjective evaluation. Chapter 6 investigates the phenomena of diffraction
in ancient theatres, which can be accurately calculated by applying appropriate scattering
coefficients.
Part 3 presents the main analysis in four chapters. Chapter 7 examines theatre evolution in
antiquity, revealing that the acoustic environment improved. Chapter 8 compares
measurements, simulation and subjective evaluation for Epidaurus, Knossos and Philippi, and
presents absorption coefficient measurements for porous stone. Chapters 9 and 10 acoustically
investigate Mieza, Philippi and Dion in terms of ancienVpresent condition and restoration
proposals with purposely-built stage enclosures, and effects of generic scenery categories
respectively. Chapter 11 offers guidelines for ancient theatre and scenery design use, with
applications to contemporary open-air theatres. Finally, Chapter 12 presents this study's
conclusions, contribution to knowledge and further work. This study introduced and acoustically
examined early theatre forms, emphasised on the acoustic improvements in theatre evolution,
and demonstrated the usefulness of stage buildings/enclosures and scenery.