Symposium as a Theater. The Mise en Scène of “The Saturnalia”

Abstract

The article deals with “The Saturnalia” of Macrobius (5th century) from the point of view of constructing the mise en scène and searching for an answer to the question that is usually overlooked by the researchers of this text. Namely, is it possible to play “The Saturnalia” in a modern theatre in which literary works with their subjects and psychological portraits of heroes play an important role, constituting the basis for stage direction and acting? In the appropriate context, the characters of “The Saturnalia”, belonging to the Roman aristocratic environment of the 4th century, are analyzed. All of them are identified with the real historical figures (prominent statesmen Vettius Augorius Praetextatus, Quintus Aurelius Symmachus, Virius Nicomachus Flavianus; grammarian and commentator of Vergil’s texts Servius, physician and natural philosopher Disarius, philosopher­cynic Horus, philosopher­platonist Eustahius, fabulist Avienus, scientists Caecina Albinus and Furius Albinus, Greek rhetorician Eusebius, critic Evangelus. Through Macrobius’ text, the psychological characteristics of all personas are identified with the reference to their probable source. The actual mise en scene of “The Saturnalia” is discussed, its anachronism is noted. A conclusion is made about the possibility of considering Macrobius’ “The Saturnalia” as an essay for a theatrical action.

Keywords

• Macrobius