Paphnutius

Paphnutius

    Alternative Title: The Conversion of Thais the Prostitute/the Harlot

    Author: Hrotsvitha of Gandersheim (Hroswitha, Roswitha)

    Date Written: 10th c.

    Published: 1501

    First English Translation: 1923

    Genre: Drama in 13 scenes; Latin prose

    Setting: A hermitage, a brothel, and a convent, ancient (but Christian) Greece

    Cast: 3m, 2f, extras

After a lengthy theological discourse with his disciples about cosmic harmony and the conflict between the flesh and the spirit, the pious hermit Paphnutius resolves to save the soul of a famous prostitute, Thais. Disguising himself as a potential lover, Paphnutius is welcomed by Thais, who reveals herself to be concerned about her sins and so is readily converted by the old man to a new life of chastity. Witnessed by...

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