HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY THEATRE

This course is part of the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Conservation of Cultural Heritage and Performing Arts Management that offers an historic and artistic approach as working with cultural heritage requires an in-depth knowledge of the specific historical context. The specific goals of the course are: to provide a basic knowledge of contemporary theatre history and of the workings of the various models of representation of a theatre piece, and of audience response. Reaching these goals will enable students to widen their knowledge in the field of performing arts and develop their critical skills. Specific terminology indispensable to understand the texts under scrutiny will be introduced and examined in class.

Students are invited to relate the contents of the course to their entire curriculum and, in particular, to situate theatre history in the broader context of the history of performing and visual arts. Students are expected to be able to take notes in class and to express, in their required final paper, clear and well-argued points the contents of the course, using specific performing arts terminology.

A good reading knowledge of English is required to understand some of the required texts and excerpts from the dance shows examined in class.

The course provides students with a general overview of theatre history, from the end of 19th century to nowadays, by way of the analysis of historical contexts and aesthetic theories. Particular attention will be given to the many approaches to acting and directing in 20th and 21th century. It also provides tools to understand the audience response to performances. For students unable to attend the syllabus is the same.

Luigi Allegri, L'artificio e l'emozione. L'attore nel teatro del Novecento, Roma, Laterza, 2009.

Lorenzo Mango, Il Novecento del teatro, Roma, Carocci, 2019 (chapters 1-2-5-8-12).

Selected essays and material, edited by Susanne Franco (for index and pdf see moodle: the password is provided via email by Prof. Franco).

The final exam, for both attending and non-attending students, consists in a written test that lasts for two hours and includes four open questions based on the bibliography and videography. Some questions require 10-15 line-long answers, while others require a broader historical contextualization and line of argumentation (about 25 lines). Cross-disciplinary observations will be particularly appreciated. To pass the exam at least 3 questions must be exhaustively answered, included the long one (25 lines). No use of notes or books is allowed during the exam.

Lectures with screenings of images and videos. The course offers an e-learning platform (moodle.unive.it) where the students can find selected readings and links to the videos presented during the classes.

Italian

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development