According to tradition, in ancient Syracuse theatrical performance was considered a form of institutional activity and was, therefore, granted to all citizens.
Most of the population participated in the shows, including women, children and slaves.
The city also paid a contribution, called the “teodorico”, for the poorest citizens. This state fund was used to donate money and allow every social class to attend public and theatrical performances during feasts.
For each day of the performance, each less well-off citizen was given two obols, small coins used in ancient Greece worth one sixth of a drachma.
