Plautus Alle is a Latin term that refers to the comedic style of ancient Roman playwright Titus Maccius Plautus. Plautus Alle, or "Plautine laughter," is characterized by its use of farce, humor, and wit, making it one of the defining features of Plautus' works. The phrase "Alle" is believed to be a variant of "Halle" or "Alles," meaning "all" or "everything," indicating the all-encompassing nature of the hilarity portrayed in Plautus' plays.
Plautus Alle is primarily associated with the genre known as "fabula palliata," or "comedies in Greek dress," as Plautus often borrowed themes, plotlines, and characters from Greek New Comedy. However, he infused these elements with a distinctly Roman flavor, resulting in his own unique brand of comedy. The humor in Plautus Alle is characterized by its broadness and physicality, often relying on mistaken identities, misunderstandings, slapstick humor, wordplay, and sexual innuendos.
The comedic style of Plautus Alle was immensely popular in ancient Rome and has continued to resonate throughout history. Plautus' plays were widely performed, enjoyed by audiences of various social classes, and have inspired countless adaptations, translations, and imitations over the centuries. Plautus Alle has also influenced the comedic traditions of subsequent generations of playwrights and comedians, both in Europe and beyond, contributing to the development of comedic timing, theatrical techniques, and comedic form. Overall, Plautus Alle represents the enduring legacy of Plautus as a master of laughter and a significant figure in the history of Roman drama.
