Fabula Palliata : The Greek plays adapted in Latin
Fabula Palliata is any of the Roman comedies that were translations or creative adaptations of Greek dramas especially comedies. The name Palliata has been derived from the Latin word pallium which means a Greek cloak . All surviving Roman comedies composed by Plautus and Terence belong to this category. So from within the fold of the fabula palliata, different situations within the Roman context were brought to the fore. The references to Greek places or contexts was interesting as it allowed the audience to accept the subversive elements in the plays as they watched under the illusion that this was happening, say in Athens. But, the situations, humour, context was that of Rome. Moreover, the audience would have understood these plays as Roman plays, remaining unfamiliar with their Greek originals, an idea that critics have often pointed out. As a result, the audience sees a confluence of varied ...
