Alcune osservazioni sugli aspetti di teatralità del Simposio di Platone

Abstract

Plato’s Symposium has a strong philosophical-rhetorical structure but is also characterised by the presence of theatrical elements. Its connection with the stage is, indeed, clear: the poet Agathon celebrates his victory. Aristophanes gives his speech. The dialogue was not written as a dramaturgy, but the Symposium has been staged several times with the encouragement of visionary scholars. Good examples are Carlo Rivolta’s show (debut: 1990s) supported by Giovanni Reale, the Fondazione Collegio San Carlo’s and Emilia Romagna Teatro Fondazione’s version (debut: 2017) and the show by Christian Poggioni (debut: 2019). 
This paper aims to provide a study of the theatrical elements of the Symposium and an analysis of how the performances enhanced the text. The paper will also deal with the problem of dramaturgical adaptation and translation: to enjoy Plato on stage we need a structure and language that are clear and suitable for the scene but also complex enough to convey his thought.