STAGE ICONOGRAPHY

This course introduces the basic concepts related to theatrical and musical iconography and the study of visual sources for the History of the Performing Arts. Several case studies will be addressed during the lectures in order to be able to identify a useful working methodology for understanding images of theatrical and musical subject.

The main purpose of the course is to provide the necessary tools to deal with the analysis of those works of art of theatrical subject useful for understanding the different aspects of the performing practice in a given historical period. At the end of the course, the student will know the process of studying an iconographic document and the relative difficulties of analysis inherent in this particular documentary typology.

No prerequisites are necessary to take the course.

The course will be dedicated to theatrical photography, from the birth of this new art to the 1920s. Particular attention will be paid to the iconography of the first European actresses and the Shakespearean repertoire

Bibliography:
- M. Zannoni, "Il teatro in fotografia. L'immagine della prima attrice italiana fra Otto e Novecento", Corazzano, Titivillus, 2018
- Short essays published on moodle

General Bibliography (optional):
- R. Guardenti, "In forma di quadro. Note di iconografia teatrale", Bologna, Cue Press 2020;
- A. Picchi, "Canovacci di iconografia. La regia pensata: le lezioni aperte verso una nuova disciplina teatrale", a cura di Massimiliano Briarava, Firenze, La Casa Usher, 2017
- N. Guidobaldi, "Prospettive di iconografia musicale", Milano, Mimesis, 2007;
- C. Balme, R. Erenstein, C. Molinari, 'European Theatre Iconography', Roma, Bulzoni, 2002

The final test will consist of an oral examination on the topics covered in class, the indicated short essays and a volume from the bibliography.
For those who might be interested it will be possible to submit an in-depth written paper on one of the topics addressed during the course, agreed in advance with the lecturer. The positive evaluation of the paper will replace part of the oral examination.

oral

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

- Scores in the range of 18-22 will be assigned for:
Sufficient knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
Limited ability to use data and form independent judgments
Sufficient communication skills

- Scores in the range of 23-26 will be assigned for:
Fair knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
Fair ability to use data and form independent judgments
Fair communication skills.

- Scores in the range of 27-30 will be assigned for:
Good or excellent knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
Good or excellent ability to use data and form independent judgments
Fully appropriate communication skills.

- The “laude” will be awarded to students with excellent knowledge and comprehension of the textbooks and related topics.

Lectures with powerpoint and video projections.