pulpitum

The actors usually spoke in the central part, called logeum, or pulpitum.

I have not, however, been able to discover any ancient authority, from which it can be inferred that the representation of a Roman play was conducted in this manner by the reciting actor being placed either behind the scenes or pulpitum; and all authorities concur as to this strange division of dramatic labour, at least in the monologues of tragedies.621.Cicero,

To us nothing can seem at first view more ridiculous, and more injurious to theatric illusion, than one person going through a dumb show or pantomime, while another, who must have appeared a supernumerary on the pulpitum, recited, with his arms across, the corresponding verses, in tones of the utmost vehemence and pathos620.

The whole space or area behind the pulpitum was called the Scena, because the scenery appropriate to the piece was there exhibited.

In turning our attention to the actors who appeared on the pulpitum of the Roman stage, the point which first attracts our notice is that supposed separation of the dramatic labour, by which one performer gesticulated while the other declaimed.