The Plays of Roswitha

This book presents the first English translation of six medieval plays by Roswitha of Gandersheim, a 10th-century Benedictine nun. It includes an introduction with historical context and critical analysis, highlighting her unique contribution to medieval literature by adapting classical Roman comedy (Terence) to Christian themes of chastity, conversion, and martyrdom. Specific plays discussed and translated include 'Gallicanus,' 'Dulcitius,' 'Sapientia,' 'Callimachus,' 'Abraham,' and 'Paphnutius.' The volume also features an essay on the appropriate dramatic interpretation and performance of Roswitha's plays, advocating for serious and sympathetic productions that respect their religious and dramatic merits, complemented by endnotes providing further historical and critical context.