AUCKLAND FRINGE FESTIVAL
CAESAR'S ROME: Hands-on Living History Experience
Meet Caesar at the Roman Temple and try a variety of Roman activities while learning all about ancient Rome. Splash in a Pompeii Fountain. Write on a wax tablet. Swing a gladius. Wear a Centurion helmet. Blow a cornu. Fire a Ballista. Fight as a gladiator. Or relax on a triclinium like a real ancient Roman.
Thurs 1st March
Our second week, and the show is humming along. The folk joined the Roman army, conquered the world with their advanced weapons, put the prisoners into the Gladiator arena, enjoyed the fruits of their success with bread and circuses by tasting garum and drinking wine, gave thanks to the gods by tossing myrrh on the sacred flame, celebrated Bacchus with ancient music, and retired into the temple to write in wax tablets and handle everyday objects such as bronze mirrors, scrolls, and play with the dice tower.
Fri 2nd March
This was our last night, and so a very special show. Theo returned as a fierce barbarian to give our new Roman recruits a foe worthy of death. He was also a great help on the ballista and other range weapons. We demonstrated the pilum (Roman javelin), plumbata (throwing dart), ballista scorpion, handheld manu-ballista, recurve bow archery, and the sling (although that takes time to master).
After drinking the wine of Bacchus, it is time to celebrate with some ancient Roman music, and the spirit of the wine-god seems to enter the musicians one by one. Bacchus is much more fun than Mars.
Sat 3rd March
Our final show so we made it a good one and sacrificed plenty of gladiators to the gods in the arena. As usual, the mob begin by baying for death, but after seeing a couple killed their blood-lust seems sated, and their nicer nature comes to the fore where they start award life by giving thumbs-up to the brave fighters.
