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Why did early Roman theatres use temporary wooden structures?

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Ancient Egyptian illustration from the Book of the Dead showing Anubis weighing the soul of the scribe Ani, with gods seated above and hieroglyphic text throughout. — Western theatre Anubis weighing the soul of the scribe Ani, from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, c. 1275 bce.

Early Roman theatres utilized temporary wooden structures primarily due to a puritanical Senate that, until the late Republic, banned the construction of permanent theatre buildings within the city of Rome, viewing them as decadent. Consequently, theatres were erected as temporary venues for the duration of public games and festivals, often set up in areas like the Campus Martius.1

These wooden structures were designed to be dismantled once the specific festival or performance concluded. While these temporary theatres eventually became highly elaborate, featuring multiple stories and luxurious decorations, the practice of using wood persisted for centuries as a matter of political and social policy. It was not until 55 bce that Pompey the Great successfully erected the first permanent stone theatre in Rome, which subsequently served as the model for future Roman-built open-air theatres.21