siparium : sih-PAH-rih-um

siparia si-PAH-ri-a (Latin; sing. siparium: movable stage drapes). Siparia were portable fabric hangings that could be positioned anywhere on the Roman stage to provide concealment for performers, particularly mimes, allowing them to hide until their cue to appear. Unlike the mechanically operated aulaeum (main drop curtain), siparia were flexible staging elements that could be set up as needed throughout the performance space. These drapes served both practical and decorative functions, offering actors strategic concealment while contributing to the visual presentation of theatrical productions. Ancient sources indicate that siparia were sometimes painted with human figures and could also be stretched on the scaenae frons as backdrop decoration, though their primary theatrical function remained as movable concealment devices for performers awaiting their entrances.