British and Irish Theatre and Performance
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide advanced knowledge in the field of Drama and Theatre Studies, while developing skills in the analysis of dramatic texts and theatrical practices within a British historical and cultural context. It encourages reflection on the reciprocal influence between contemporary theatre and different forms of expression, focusing at different times on particular authors, periods or key issues such as interactions with other media, the dynamics between innovation and tradition, and aesthetic, social and political implications. A historical-evolutionary perspective will be integral to the training, alongside an awareness of the developments and critical debates that have shaped the history of British theatre. The course also includes practical opportunities for students to apply their acquired skills and methodologies through activities such as attending scheduled performances, producing short plays or performances, and engaging in group work.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of the history, sources, methods and tools of theatre studies and the practices of dramaturgy, performance and directing, with particular reference to the British tradition. Knowledge of some of the major theatre figures, dramaturgies and practices, their historical-political, cultural and aesthetic contexts, stage practice, interlingual and interlinguistic transfer. An understanding of the theoretical, methodological and historical-cultural issues involved in the study of British theatre, including its intermedial and intercultural dissemination. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: ability to analyse and interpret the dramatic text and staging; ability to discuss and argue in a seminar context on the topics covered in the course and to apply the method to further examples; ability to apply the skills acquired in the production of both creative and critical (written or oral) individual or group work of appropriate methodological rigour.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
A. The art gallery on Stage
B. Questions of identity in contemporary British Theatre
C. Intermedial "Hamlet"
_______________________
A. The art gallery on stage
Unit A focuses on some contemporary British plays that consider galleries and art museums as sources of inspiration, spaces of encounter (and clash), and mirrors of the stage. The unit shows how, behind the not always peaceful intersections between art and theatre, there are latent conflicts that affect not only individuals (artists, art dealers or subjects of the work) but also society and the nation as a whole.
B. Questions of identity in contemporary British theatre
Unit B looks at texts that deal with questions of truth and identity. From the attempts to define Anne/Anny/Annuska in Martin Crimp's 'Attempts on Her Life' to the clones of Caryl Churchill's 'A Number', from the hypnotist's games in Tim Crouch's 'An Oak Tree' to the truth of Artemisia Gentileschi on trial, all these texts question the nature of identity, but also the complicated relationship between theatre and truth. What is true and what is false on stage?
C. Intermedial "Hamlet"
Part C examines several intermedial adaptations of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet", looking at how it has been adapted across theatre, cinema and street art.
B. Questions of identity in contemporary British Theatre
C. Intermedial "Hamlet"
_______________________
A. The art gallery on stage
Unit A focuses on some contemporary British plays that consider galleries and art museums as sources of inspiration, spaces of encounter (and clash), and mirrors of the stage. The unit shows how, behind the not always peaceful intersections between art and theatre, there are latent conflicts that affect not only individuals (artists, art dealers or subjects of the work) but also society and the nation as a whole.
B. Questions of identity in contemporary British theatre
Unit B looks at texts that deal with questions of truth and identity. From the attempts to define Anne/Anny/Annuska in Martin Crimp's 'Attempts on Her Life' to the clones of Caryl Churchill's 'A Number', from the hypnotist's games in Tim Crouch's 'An Oak Tree' to the truth of Artemisia Gentileschi on trial, all these texts question the nature of identity, but also the complicated relationship between theatre and truth. What is true and what is false on stage?
C. Intermedial "Hamlet"
Part C examines several intermedial adaptations of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet", looking at how it has been adapted across theatre, cinema and street art.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is taught in English, and the bibliography and teaching materials are almost entirely in English, so students need a good knowledge of the language.
Teaching methods
Lectures and seminars will alternate throughout the semester. During class sessions, students will be asked to read scenes from the plays on the syllabus aloud . They will also watch video content and attend theatre performances listed in the programme, for which they will receive discounted tickets. Students are expected to engage critically with the video materials and the performances they attend. They will also work in small groups to develop a multimedia project.
Teaching Resources
The critical bibliography will be provided at the beginning of the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will consist of a one-to-one oral interview conducted in English. During the interview, the instructor will ask questions and engage in discussion with the student. The interview will also involve analysing and discussing one or more of the plays on the syllabus.
The exam aims to assess the following:
- accurate knowledge of the studied texts;
- the ability to contextualise authors and works;
- clarity and effectiveness in oral presentation and argumentation;
- accuracy in the use of specific disciplinary terminology;
The ability to engage in critical and personal reflection on the topics addressed.
Active participation in class discussions will also be taken into account in the final evaluation.
In October, students will have the opportunity to take an optional written mid-term test designed to assess their knowledge of the plays on the syllabus. The result of this test will contribute to the final grade.
At the end of the course, students will present a creative, multimedia group project inspired by Hamlet. This project will also be taken into account in the overall evaluation.
Final grades are expressed on a scale of thirty. Students have the right to reject the proposed grade; in such cases, the result will be recorded as 'withdrawn'.
International and/or incoming Erasmus students are invited to contact the instructor as soon as possible.
Arrangements for exams for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD) must be agreed with the instructor in consultation with the relevant university office.
The exam aims to assess the following:
- accurate knowledge of the studied texts;
- the ability to contextualise authors and works;
- clarity and effectiveness in oral presentation and argumentation;
- accuracy in the use of specific disciplinary terminology;
The ability to engage in critical and personal reflection on the topics addressed.
Active participation in class discussions will also be taken into account in the final evaluation.
In October, students will have the opportunity to take an optional written mid-term test designed to assess their knowledge of the plays on the syllabus. The result of this test will contribute to the final grade.
At the end of the course, students will present a creative, multimedia group project inspired by Hamlet. This project will also be taken into account in the overall evaluation.
Final grades are expressed on a scale of thirty. Students have the right to reject the proposed grade; in such cases, the result will be recorded as 'withdrawn'.
International and/or incoming Erasmus students are invited to contact the instructor as soon as possible.
Arrangements for exams for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD) must be agreed with the instructor in consultation with the relevant university office.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
4/7, 12am; 16/7, 11am; 10/9, 11am. Teams: i2vrlh3.
Teams