THEATRICAL LANGUAGE, THEORY AND PRACTICE

This course is part of the Master Degrer Programa "History of Arts and Conservation of Artistic Heritage" (it represents a continuation and refinement of the courses foreseen in the three-year degree program) and of the Master Degree Program "Economics and Management of Arts and Cultural Activities" (EGArt). The first one aimes at provide a well-rounded education with in-depth knowledge of artistic phenomena; the second allows the students to understand the nature and processes of cultural production.
The specific goals of the course are to provide a basic knowledge, a thematic introduction to historical elements and a reference vocabulary in the field of theater studies and of the workings of the various models of representation and of audience response. Reaching these goals will enable students to widen their knowledge in the field of theater studies and develop their critical skills, and, in particular, to situate theater history in the broader context of the history of the visual and performing arts.

1. Knowledge and understanding.
Achievement of a set of elements useful for the definition of theatrical studies and for the historical characterization of it. Acquisition of ibliographic tools useful for autonomously dealing with theatrical cultures in order to decipher their forms and contentes.

2. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
Knowing hoiw to bring the theatrical literature back to specific cultural domains, recognizing, also on the basis of the relevant crtical literature, some peculiar traditions. Properly interpretation of examples examined in class, citing the interpretative tools of the most suitable bibliography for the purpose.

3. Ability to judge.
To be aware that interpretation can never be severed from in-depth knolewdge of prevoius criticism and historiography, and from the continous comparison of them with the most recently updated bibliographic data.

Nothing (however, basic knowledge is preferable, such as that provided by the Bachelor's degree courses)

"Forme intermedie" (Between Life and Art)
Starting from Aby Warburg's category of "forme intermedie" (explained originnaly in italian, startinge from reflections on the history of Italian Renaissance culture and anthropological observation, with the American journey), we will offer a framework, focusing on experiences that precede, follow, and also accompany the history of theater understood as "dramatic art." Addressing the dimension of celebration, particular emphasis will be placed on the relationship between artistic forms and spectacular experiences.

Reference bibliography:
For a general reference:
P. Vescovo, Non ridere degli Hopi, in Feste e teatro. Forme intermedie tra arte e vita (XV-XVII secolo), ed. by M. Centanni, A. Metlica, P. Vescovo, Venezia, edioniengramma, 2005, pp.13-46; the entire volume as the main reference: open access and freely downloadable.
A bibliography will be provided during the course.

The exam includes a written essay on a topic of student’s choice, which apply methodological perspectives and the tools offered during the course. The term paper is discussed during the oral exam.

written and oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

For the grading, according to the definition criteria provided by Ca' Foscari University:
A. scores in the 18-22 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- sufficient knowledge and ability to understand applied in reference to the program;
- limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating independent judgments;
- sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language that pertains to the economic functioning of public services;
B. scores in the 23-26 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- fair knowledge and ability to understand applied in reference to the program;
- fair ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating independent judgments;
- fair communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language that pertains to the economic functioning of public services;
C. scores in the 27-30 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- good or excellent knowledge and understanding applied in reference to the program;
- good or excellent ability to collect and/or interpret data, formulating independent judgments;
- fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language that pertains to the economic functioning of public services.
D. honors will be awarded in the presence of knowledge and understanding applied in reference to the program, judgment and communication skills, excellent.

The exam is structured in two parts:
- a written essay, which deals with the application of the essential analysis tools (especially formal) and the personal study of a topic or topic among those dealt with during the course, freely chosen by the student;
- an oral discussion of the same
The verification thus concerns the exposition in written and oral form and aims at a balanced coexistence between theoretical and applied knowledge, reference to the general program and personal elaboration.

The essay consists of a work of about ten pages, provides a formal analysis according to a model proposed during the lessons and a free thematic-problematic analysis of the content.
The essay is then discussed during the oral examination, which may eventually also take up the central issues presented during the course.

The double form of the written work and the oral discussion is considered to allow a wider possibility of verification.
The exam will be about the autonomy of judgment, communication abilities and learning skills that students must acquire.
For this purpose the establishment of an "open" program was successfully tested: in this program the student choose texts and detailed studies in addition to what is analyzed in lectures, of which the final part, after establishing the bases of the course is devoted to proposals in this direction.

Students who did not attend the course, should agree an alternative program with the teacher during his office hours.