Roaming Provence
01.11.2024
25 °C
The Roman theatre in Orange was opened to the public in thirty-six BC and it is still used for performances today. While many Roman amphitheatres are in existence in Europe, Asia and North Africa, many of which are used today, only the Theatre of Orange still has its completely original stage wall. This is the enormous backstage as seen from the street…
And this is the stage...
It even had a retractable sunroof made of multiple curtains that were suspended on ropes. To appreciate the awe-inspiring enormity and complexity of the stage it is necessary to visit this architectural masterpiece. However, some idea of its size can be gauged from this photo taken from the Upper Circle… 
You may just see Sheila waving from the back of the stalls.
Comedies, dramas and musical extravaganzas were performed on this stage at least one hundred days a year. All performances were free to attend and as many as ten thousand folks attended each presentation. However, the seating protocol was very strict with the highest ranking men sitting on chairs in the front rows while lesser mortals and women were relegated to the various levels of circles depending on their place in society.
In its early years it was common to have beautiful young women performers who, to the delight of the men in the front rows, often ended up naked on stage. Anyone who has seen ancient Roman statues will know that public nudity wasn’t an issue, even mixed naked bathing was the norm, until the rise of Christianity. This is a statue of Ceasar’s wife in the centre of Orange, (although it’s certainly not an original)…
Orange was a magnificent city in Roman times and, in keeping with tradition, its entry was through a triumphal arch…
There are many historic buildings in and around Orange, including the sprawling centuries-old farmhouse where we stayed, but perhaps we are focussing too much on the historic and ignoring those things for which Provence is famous. The beautifully clear air and vibrant colours that brought Van Gogh and all the other artists here can be best appreciated in its nature. These olives and persimmons were growing at our farm stay…
However, Provence is best known for its wines, and we were fortunate enough to have a friend from Lyons guide us to the finest of the areas vineyards and treat us to a superb lunch and some excellent wines from these casks at Beaumes de Venise…
While many tourists visit Provence, few get to explore the roads less travelled. With Patrick we were able to explore some of the ancient villages that dot this beautiful area of France. This is the Medieval gateway to the tiny village of Camaret-sur-Aigues…
We are still racing hard to complete our tour in the next few days and will join the public holiday crowds to celebrate All Saints Day – a day to remember the dead.
Interesting bell tower behind the gate--wrought iron? Appropriate numerals on the clock.
Looking forward to pictures of your Halloween equivalent day. Traditional All Saints Day menus along with the wines?
by R and B