History of Theatre and Performing Arts

A.Y. 2023/2024
9
Max ECTS
60
Overall hours
SSD
L-ART/05
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide an overview on the history of the Western theatre from ancient Greece up to the twentieth century, by referring to the typicality of national or better supranational situations of theatre. The second unit focuses on methods and tools of analysis of writing for the stage in XX century. The third unit deals with the evolution of the Italian contemporary show, with particular reference to directing theatre.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing the course students will have the historical and critical tools to understand the history of western theatre from antiquity up to 20th centuries, as well as through the knowledge of the historical-social context in which dramas and theatrical productions originated. In particular, the student is able to deal with critical awareness the analysis of 20Th century drama and the contemporary productions, especially with directing theatre
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

(A-D)

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Part A (20 hours - 3 cfu): Historical elements of Western Theatre from antiquity to twentieth century
Part B (20 hours - 3 cfu): Historical elements of Western Theatre in the twentieth century
Part C (20 hours - 3 cfu): Maria Callas and the origin of directing theater in Italy
The course aims to provide an overview with adequate insights on the history of the theatre in Europe from ancient Greece up to the twentieth century, focusing not only on playwriting, but analysing the evolution of the space, the impact of actors, directors, designers, companies and organisation in the process of theatre-making. The second unit focuses on methods and tools of analysis of playwriting acting and direction for the stage during the twentieth century. The third unit deals with the evolution of the Italian contemporary direction theatre, with particular reference to some significant events, staged in Milanese theatres. Attending students will have the opportunity to meet theatrical artists and directors.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the basic concepts of historical chronology and main movements of Italian and European literature and culture is recommended. Classes are in Italian language.
The course is addressed to students of Science of Cultural Heritage and is open to bachelor and master students of Humanities, History, Languages and Philosophy. Classes are reserved to students with surnames from A to D.
Teaching methods
The course aims to provide knowledge about the main issues related to the history of theater, its tools of investigation and their application in different areas (dramaturgy, performance, organization, set design). The lectures aim to develop analytical and critical skills and abilities, in terms of analysis of the dramatic text and performance.
During the course, attending students will have the opportunity to attend a number of performances scheduled in Milan theaters.
Teaching Resources
Bibliografia per studenti frequentanti
Per 6 cfu: preparare le parti A e B
Per 9 cfu: preparare le parti A, B e C
Parte A
Gli appunti delle lezioni dell'unità A
M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milano, Pearson, 2020.
Parte B
Gli appunti delle lezioni dell'unità B.
M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milano, Pearson, 2020.
Parte C
Gli appunti delle lezioni dell'unità C
A. Bentoglio, Maria Callas, Roma, Carocci, 2023
Bibliografia per studenti non frequentanti
Programma d'esame da 6 cfu per studenti non frequentanti:
1) M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milano, Pearson, 2020.
2) A. Bentoglio, Maria Callas, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
Programma d'esame da 9 cfu per studenti non frequentanti:
1) M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milano, Pearson, 2020.
2) A. Bentoglio, Maria Callas, Roma, Carocci, 2023
3) Claudio Vicentini, Storia della recitazione teatrale. Dal mondo antico alla scena digitale, Marsilio, Venezia, 2023.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test designed to test knowledge of the history of theater and the in-depth bibliography included in the exam syllabus, with emphasis on argumentative ability and terminological competence in the discipline. Directions on the written test will be given exclusively in the classroom during lectures. This syllabus is valid from the first exam call until the end of the scheduled exam calls for A.Y. 2023-2024. International or Erasmus incoming students are urged to make timely contact with the course instructor. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or DSA should be arranged with the professor in consultation with the appropriate office.
Unita' didattica A
L-ART/05 - PERFORMING ARTS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-ART/05 - PERFORMING ARTS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-ART/05 - PERFORMING ARTS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours

(E-N)

Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Part A (20 hours - 3 cfu): Historical elements of Western Theatre from antiquity to twentieth century
Part B (20 hours - 3 cfu): A short history of the traditional Italian acting
Part C (20 hours - 3 cfu): The theatre in Milan in the last five decades: the Elfo Theatre as a study-case

The course aims to provide knowledge about the main issues related to history of the theatre, its tools of investigation and their application in different contests (writing, production, organization, scenery). Lessons aim to encourage the development of analytical and critical skills, in terms of analysis of space, dramas and shows. During the part C attending students taking the 9 cfu exam will have the opportunity to meet artists and directors of some productions staged in Milanese theatres.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is addressed to students of Science of Cultural Heritage and is open to bachelor and master students of Humanities, History, Languages and Philosophy. Classes are reserved to students with surnames from E to N. Knowledge of the basic concepts of historical chronology and main movements of Italian and European literature and culture are recommended. Classes are all in Italian language.
Teaching methods
The course aims to provide knowledge about the main issues related to history of the theatre, its tools of investigation and their application in different contests (writing, production, organization, scenery). Lessons aim to encourage the development of analytical and critical skills, in terms of analysis of dramas and shows. During the part C attending students taking the 9 cfu exam will have the opportunity to meet artists and directors of some productions staged in Milanese theatres.
Teaching Resources
Bibliography for attending students
6 cfu programme: Part A + part B
9 cfu programme : Part A+ part B+ part C

Part A
Topics presented during classes of part A
M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milano, Pearson, 2020.

Part B
Topics presented during classes of part B
M. Cambiaghi- R. De Berti, L'ambrosiana pura. Dina Galli attrice di teatro, cinema e radio, Milano, Mimesis, 2023, pp. 1-202.

Part C
Topics presented during classes of part C
A .Bentoglio, A. Rondelli, S. Tisano, Il teatro dell'Elfo (1973-2013), quarant'anni di teatro d'arte contemporanea, Milano, Mimesis, 2013 (or second edition, 2017).

Bibliography for not attending students


6 cfu Programme not attending students:
1) M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milano, Pearson, 2020;
2) M. Cambiaghi- R. De Berti, L'ambrosiana pura. Dina Galli attrice di teatro, cinema e radio, Milano, Mimesis, 2023, pp. 1-202.
3) L. Allegri ( a cura di), Leggere il teatro. Dieci testi esemplari, Roma, Carocci, 2023 (only seven chapters).

9 cfu Programme not attending students:
1) M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milano, Pearson, 2020.
2) M. Cambiaghi- R. De Berti, L'ambrosiana pura. Dina Galli attrice di teatro, cinema e radio, Milano, Mimesis, 2023, pp. 1-202.
3) A .Bentoglio, A. Rondelli, S. Tisano, Il teatro dell'Elfo (1973-2013), quarant'anni di teatro d'arte contemporanea, Milano, Mimesis, 2013 (or second edition, 2017).
4) L. Allegri ( a cura di), Leggere il teatro. Dieci testi esemplari, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test that aims to assess the students' knowledge of the history of the Western theatre and of the subjects on the programme, with particular attention to disciplinary terminology, argumentation skills and explanatory precision. Information about written test will be given only during the lessons.

Warning
International students or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher in charge of the course in a timely manner.
Unita' didattica A
L-ART/05 - PERFORMING ARTS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-ART/05 - PERFORMING ARTS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-ART/05 - PERFORMING ARTS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours

(O-Z)

Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Part A (20 hours - 3 cfu): Historical elements of Western Theatre from antiquity to twentieth century
Part B (20 hours - 3 cfu): Theatre and History.
Part C (20 hours - 3 cfu): Women playwrigts, gender issues in the contemporary european theatre

The course aims to provide an overview with adequate insights on the history of the theatre in Europe from ancient Greece up to the twentieth century, focusing not only on playwriting, but analysing the evolution of the space, the impact of actors, directors, designers, in the process of theatre-making. The second unit focuses on political theatre and texts by Bertolt Brecht, Theatre du soleil, Biljana Srbljanovic. The third unit deals with thematics of the women in the playwright. Attending students will have the opportunity to meet theatrical artists and directors.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the basic concepts of historical chronology and main movements of Italian and European literature and culture is recommended. Classes are in Italian language.
The course is addressed to students of Science of Cultural Heritage and is open to bachelor and master students of Humanities, History, Languages and Philosophy. Classes are reserved to students with surnames from O-Z. We suggestion to read the text for the examination (part 1) before the beginning of the academic course.
Teaching methods
The course aims to provide knowledge about the main issues related to history of the theatre, its tools of investigation and their application in different contests (playwriting, production, organization, scenery). Lessons aim to encourage the development of analytical and critical skills, in terms of analysis of dramas and shows. During the Unit C attending students taking the 9 cfu exam will have the opportunity to meet artists and directors
Teaching Resources
Bibliography for attending students
6 cfu programme: Part A + part B
9 cfu programme : Part A+ part B+ part C
See the bibliography the list in Italian.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test that aims to assess the students' knowledge of the history of the Western theatre and of the subjects on the programme, with particular attention to disciplinary terminology, argumentation skills and explanatory precision. Information about written test will be given only during the lessons.

Warning
International students or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher in charge of the course in a timely manner.
Unita' didattica A
L-ART/05 - PERFORMING ARTS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-ART/05 - PERFORMING ARTS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-ART/05 - PERFORMING ARTS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours