Irregular method of playing the Viola

Hello, Young Composers Community,

This is a neat and curious idea that came to mind as a composer dipping his toes in writing a Viola sonata for Viola and Piano, and I thought I'd ask experienced string players this one.

Would there be any sound and/or playability benefits to playing the Viola upright, similar to how one plays the cello: having it stand on the player's lap, or perhaps on some endpin, versus the default of placing it on player's shoulder?

This is something I was entertaining to include in my score's stage note, primarily for visual effects: there is a virtuosic section that involves 32-note and triple-stop passages, which I would love the audience to see be demonstrated; loosely similar to how Franz Liszt was the innovator of turning the piano sideways so that the audience could visually observe his fingers perform his difficult Etude. 

I guess, then, my real question is: would there be any substantial inconveniences and hindrances to playing the Viola this irregular way?

I'm sure this idea isn't exactly original and has possibly been entertained and even done before by composers and string players who came before me; which is why I am curious about it.

Thanks. 

Hmmm. I seemed to have received no answer to this inquiry.

It is still current for anyone who may have insight to it.

Thanks again.

The inconvenience would only be to the player who would have to practice bowing from a different vantage. It should be possible though.

Thank you again, Quinnn, for your response.

The original idea which I was entertaining was, a Violist can play supra-8va double-stops more easily with deployment of the thumb for fingering. 

Also, on a casual note, I envision that it could be very neat for a visual affect. (I am in the progress of composing a sentimental aria in an Opera, where a Contralto sings about a historic figure; to her Chamber Church congregants. As the audience would be able to see the pit orchestra, I planned on having the Violists play either with their instrument sitting upright on their left knee; or perhaps standing up on some modified long 2-feet peg. It would nicely help illustrate the sentimental "motherly" history lesson.)