Performer Body in Oration “Pro Saltatoribus” by Libanius

Abstract

Libanius Pro Saltatoribus can be seen as a remarkable source dealing with the Body Laws which ruled ancient Performers. This article analyzes and aims at highlighting the Performer’s gestures, training and Body strategies in the way Libanius describes them to the reader. According to him, both actors’ mind and soul are not perverted by the rules of their physical performances. Henceforth, the Platonic and Aristotelian theory, which dated back to V and VI centuries, is rejected; at the same time the one growing up in the theatre milieu is strongly asserted. This treatise is an exhaustive source which goes deeply into the study of ancient theatre, of Performer acting and of playing.