"In The Apologia, Roman writer and philosopher Apuleius delivers a brilliant legal defense speech before a Roman court, refuting charges of sorcery brought against him during his stay in Sabratha. With wit, rhetorical skill, and philosophical insight, Apuleius argues that his scholarly pursuits in philosophy, science, and religion are not criminal but reflect the intellectual traditions of the ancient world. The speech reveals much about Roman provincial life, legal procedure, and the suspicion surrounding learned men accused of occult practices. Part courtroom drama, part intellectual manifesto, The Apologia offers a vivid portrait of a thinker unapologetically defending reason, education, and personal freedom in an age wary of foreign ideas and mystical associations."
"The Metamorphoses, also known as The Golden Ass, is an ancient Roman novel by Apuleius that follows the misadventures of Lucius, a curious young man who accidentally transforms himself into a donkey through forbidden magic. As he is passed from owner to owner, enduring hardship and witnessing both the absurdity and cruelty of human nature, Lucius seeks redemption and divine intervention. The story blends satire, folklore, and religious revelation, offering insight into Roman society, mystery religions, and the path to spiritual transformation. At its heart is the worship of the goddess Isis, whose grace ultimately restores Lucius to human form. Combining humor, allegory, and vivid storytelling, The Metamorphoses remains a masterpiece of classical literature and one of the earliest surviving novels in Western tradition."
"This tale of a man who, when tinkering with magic, becomes changed into an ass is one of the most entertaining and remarkable stories from classic Latin literature. It is funny, bawdy and completely approachable - but also shows life from the point of view of a beast of burden in the Roman Empire of the second century CE.
Lucius is an active young man enjoying life - and the favours of an attentive maid, one Fotis - when the temptation to experiment with a magic potion proves too great.
Life is very different as a four-footed animal, and he goes from one drama to another, in danger of his life at one point, facing seduction at another.
Within this account of these adventures, Apuleius (c124-c170 CE) places ribald stories which are more familiar through retellings by Boccaccio and Chaucer. But there are also passages of considerable literary beauty, particularly in the extended account of Cupid and Psyche.
The Golden Ass, in this lively performance by Jonathan Keeble, is a delight from start to finish.
Translation: Bohn (1853), revised for this production."
"Die bezaubernde Königstochter Psyche, deren Anmut selbst die Schönheit der Göttin Venus in den Schatten stellt, liebt den geflügelten Gott Amor. Als sich Venus zwischen die beiden stellt, muss Psyche über sich hinauswachsen, um ihre Liebe zu Amor zu retten ... Eine der schönsten Erzählungen der griechischen Antike über zerstörerische Neugier, Vergebung und die grenzenlose Macht der Liebe."
"Apuleius ist nach Homer der wohl berühmteste Dichter der Antike. Seine humorvollen, erotischen Geschichten sind direkt und lebensnah und zeichnen ein überraschendes Bild seiner Zeit: Charite und Lepolem - Die Giftmischerin aus Eifersucht - Die vergessenen Schuhe - Die verliebte Stiefmutter - Der gehörnte Ehemann."
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