PERFORMATIVE AND THEATRICAL CULTURES

The course explores performing and theatrical cultures with a specific focus on performative space, understood as the physical, symbolic, and relational environment where theatrical representation or performative action takes place. Through the analysis of video recordings of theatrical performances, live performances, and historical examples, the course addresses the relationship between body, environment, and audience, examining different spatial models in the history of both Western and non-Western theatre.

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyze performative space as a scenic construction, symbolic relationship, and site of audience experience; to contextualize a performance or theatrical production within its cultural and artistic framework, identifying its spatial, corporeal, and relational specificities; to appropriately use the specialized and conceptual vocabulary of performing and theatrical arts; to apply interdisciplinary methods (historical, semiotic, anthropological) in the analysis of performances and performative environments; and to develop independent reflections, formulate critical hypotheses, and argue with coherence, clarity, and terminological precision.

A working knowledge of English is required in order to understand some of the texts included in the exam syllabus, as well as the videos and documentaries screened and discussed during the course.

The course aims to teach students how to analyze performative and scenic space in its aesthetic, historical, and functional dimensions; to understand the dynamics between body, environment, and audience; to use the vocabulary of performance arts correctly; and finally, to connect examples of performance to the cultural contexts of their production and reception.

A selection of essays and videos is available on the Moodle platform (the password will be provided via email by Prof. Franco).

1) A written paper on a topic (and related bibliography) agreed in advance with the lecturer. The paper should be about 15 pages long (corresponding to about 30,000 characters including spaces) and it will be presented and discussed during an oral interview lasting 15/20 minutes, on the dates scheduled for the various exams sessions. The word file can be discussed with the professor in an intermediate version (with the complete bibliography and an outline of the structure) at least 15 days before the exam in order to be reviewed and approved; students will send the final version at least three days before the exam.

2) A written closed-book test (without access to devices or wi-fi). The test consists of approximately five short-answer questions (requiring one or two lines each, aimed at verifying basic knowledge acquired during the course) and three longer-answer questions, to be answered using any combination of 8-line, 15-line, and 20-line responses.
To pass the exam, students must answer at least two out of the three longer questions, including one 15-line and one 20-line response.

The written test lasts two hours, and students must include specific references to the bibliographic and audiovisual materials studied in the course (see Moodle).

written and oral

For both the paper and the written test, the assessment criteria are based on the punctuality and extent of knowledge of the topics covered in class and/or learned through the study of the compulsory bibliography (50%); correctness and propriety in the use of the specific vocabulary (30%) and care in written exposition (20%). Grades in the 18-22 range correspond to a sufficient level; grades in the 23-26 range correspond to a fair level; grades in the 27-30 range correspond to an excellent level and honours is awarded for excellent level evidence.

Lecture-based course alternating traditional lessons with visual support (videos and slides) and moments of collective discussion.

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