A Visit with Hrosvitha
Before we begin our discussion with this fascinating woman, let me introduce you to her. She was born in Saxony. She grew up to and moved to Germany where she is living now as a nun. She has written six plays during her life, the first one being published in 1501. Because she is a nun, she is offered freedom to write that she wouldn't have been offered if she had been married. In her writing, the Roman world and the Medieval world are linked.
This 10th century playwright's plays are more literary compositions than plays because they don't have the stage direction that most plays have.
Hrosvitha's plays are often called the Christian versions of Terence's plays. Terence was a playwright who was born in Rome in 159 B.C. during the theater age of Ancient Rome. However, her plays are more rhythmic and are written in prose. Her writings are considered to be so good that some historians wonder if William Shakespeare has borrowed from her writings.
Hrosvitha is most important for three reasons.
1. She is the first known female dramatist.
2. She is the first postclassical Western Dramatist.
3. She provides us with the oldest existent feminist perspective in drama.
Now let's welcome a great playwright of her time! Hrosvitha!
This 10th century playwright's plays are more literary compositions than plays because they don't have the stage direction that most plays have.
Hrosvitha's plays are often called the Christian versions of Terence's plays. Terence was a playwright who was born in Rome in 159 B.C. during the theater age of Ancient Rome. However, her plays are more rhythmic and are written in prose. Her writings are considered to be so good that some historians wonder if William Shakespeare has borrowed from her writings.
Hrosvitha is most important for three reasons.
1. She is the first known female dramatist.
2. She is the first postclassical Western Dramatist.
3. She provides us with the oldest existent feminist perspective in drama.
Now let's welcome a great playwright of her time! Hrosvitha!
Hrosvitha: Hello. I am pleased to be here amongst you today. I hope I can adequately answer any question you may have for me. Please. Do begin.
Question: There has been much speculation about your plays. Are they for reciting or the stage?
Hrosvitha: We at the convent read the passages aloud. We have neither the means nor the stage to perform such plays. We enjoy the endeavor of reading through the prose as sisters in the convent. However, for those outside of these sacred walls, I know not.
Question: What language are your plays written in? I know you life in Germany.
Hrosvitha: My works are written in Latin.
Question: Who is your favorite playwright?
Hrosvitha: I quite enjoy reading things by Terence. His comedic works fascinate me. I only hope I can write as well as he does. However, I feel that my plays need religious themes in them as well as secular. I believe I am Terentian.
Question: How old were you when you entered the Abbey?
Hrosvitha: I was in my tweny-sixth year of life.
Question: I understand you are also a poet. Can you share one of your poems with us?
Hrosvitha: I would be honored. I shall share with you "Wisdom's Prayer."
"O Earth, I confide to thy keeping these tender flowers, born of my womb. Carry them tenderly in thy bosom, framed of the self-same elements, until the resurrection day, when they shall again blossom forth, haply with greater glory. And do thou, O Christ, fill their souls the while with celestial splendor, and grant peace and rest to their mortal bodies."
Question: Do you prefer to write poetry or plays?
Hrosvitha: I enjoy the written word in all forms. I enjoy studying and learning, and thus am very happy to be living in a place where I can continue learning.
Question: Is it odd for you to be a woman playwright?
Hrosvitha: Because I am a woman it is decidedly more difficult, yes. But because of my status I ma given freedoms that most woman can't even dream of. I feel very privelged to be able to continue working with my passion.
Question: Why do your plays cover religious material?
Hrosvitha: Christianity is very important to me and to those around me. Audiences want to see religion in their theater. These plays are part of religious ceremonies.
Question: Are they performed at any specific time?
Hrosvitha: Certainly the Easter and Christmas seasons draw more people. However, there are religious dramas that are present throughout everyday living.
Question: What would you tell a woman who wanted to be a writer like you?
Hrosvitha: I would tell her to gain an education and do as much writing as possible. Certainly times change. Perhaps someday a woman like myself will be more common.
Question: There has been much speculation about your plays. Are they for reciting or the stage?
Hrosvitha: We at the convent read the passages aloud. We have neither the means nor the stage to perform such plays. We enjoy the endeavor of reading through the prose as sisters in the convent. However, for those outside of these sacred walls, I know not.
Question: What language are your plays written in? I know you life in Germany.
Hrosvitha: My works are written in Latin.
Question: Who is your favorite playwright?
Hrosvitha: I quite enjoy reading things by Terence. His comedic works fascinate me. I only hope I can write as well as he does. However, I feel that my plays need religious themes in them as well as secular. I believe I am Terentian.
Question: How old were you when you entered the Abbey?
Hrosvitha: I was in my tweny-sixth year of life.
Question: I understand you are also a poet. Can you share one of your poems with us?
Hrosvitha: I would be honored. I shall share with you "Wisdom's Prayer."
"O Earth, I confide to thy keeping these tender flowers, born of my womb. Carry them tenderly in thy bosom, framed of the self-same elements, until the resurrection day, when they shall again blossom forth, haply with greater glory. And do thou, O Christ, fill their souls the while with celestial splendor, and grant peace and rest to their mortal bodies."
Question: Do you prefer to write poetry or plays?
Hrosvitha: I enjoy the written word in all forms. I enjoy studying and learning, and thus am very happy to be living in a place where I can continue learning.
Question: Is it odd for you to be a woman playwright?
Hrosvitha: Because I am a woman it is decidedly more difficult, yes. But because of my status I ma given freedoms that most woman can't even dream of. I feel very privelged to be able to continue working with my passion.
Question: Why do your plays cover religious material?
Hrosvitha: Christianity is very important to me and to those around me. Audiences want to see religion in their theater. These plays are part of religious ceremonies.
Question: Are they performed at any specific time?
Hrosvitha: Certainly the Easter and Christmas seasons draw more people. However, there are religious dramas that are present throughout everyday living.
Question: What would you tell a woman who wanted to be a writer like you?
Hrosvitha: I would tell her to gain an education and do as much writing as possible. Certainly times change. Perhaps someday a woman like myself will be more common.
