CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF ANCIENT THEATRES AND ODEA IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

Abstract

Many aspects of ancient theatres have attracted interest in recent years. The theatres of the Eastern Mediterranean are among the most precious and spectacular monuments of cultural heritage in the region, with an important role in cultural diversity and social and economic development. Theatre reuse not only serves conservation but also raises public awareness. There is a need to generate a strategy or process for preserving and using theatre heritage as records of Eastern Mediterranean history. This paper investigates how interpretation through reuse can enhance the role of theatres, especially those in an urban setting. New ideas for construction and installation of removable structures are presented, with the aim of establishing regulations on the use of each site with theatres and odea. Finally, it discusses how to enhance and preserve the historic information, the artistic and structural requirements and acoustic standards in ancient theatres, especially the appropriate or necessary level of sound clarity.