Programme

The course aims to offer a global vision of the historical development of European Theatre, through a series of close ups on themes and changes of its values and conditions, from Mediaeval culture to contemporary performance. The notion of cultural performance will be assumed as a key concept, in order to enlarge the horizon of the artistic and cultural values of theatre to other fields and practices of representation (Dance, ritual, celebration).
In its first part, the course deals with texts and contexts of books considered as groundbreaking sources for the theory and practice of the Western performer in 20th century (Artaud, Brecht, Grotowski).
In the second period, through the reading of Shakespeare's Hamlet, a focus will concern the dramatic tradition in European modern theatre.
In the final period, taking part in meeting and panels with operators, curators and performers, the students will share ongoing projects and current trends in Italian contemporary theatre

Core Documentation

A. Artaud, Il teatro e il suo doppio, Einaudi, Torino; B. Brecht, Scritti teatrali, Einaudi, Torino; J. Grotowski, Testi. Volume II, Il teatro povero (1965-69),La casa Usher, Firenze;
W. Shakespeare, Amleto, edizione e traduzione a c. di A. Serpieri, Marsilio
2 testi a scelta tra i seguenti tre:
M. Schino, L’età dei maestri, Viella, Roma; E. Barba, La conquista della differenza, Bulzoni, Roma; F. Cruciani, Lo spazio del teatro, Laterza, Bari.
For non attending students: R. Guarino, Shakespeare. La scrittura nel teatro, Carocci, Roma; oppure il terzo dei testi a scelta.

Type of delivery of the course

Frontal lessons

Attendance

Non-attending students should add another text to the program, suggested or arranged with the teacher.

Type of evaluation

Oral exam. The questions regard the texts treated and explained during the course.