French Theatre
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide a good knowledge and appreciation of theatre, dramatic literature and scenography from an interdisciplinary perspective. It will draw on the tools of cultural studies and the sciences of theatre and performance. It will focus on significant examples of dramaturgy, aesthetics and theatrical practice in modern and contemporary French theatre. However, the historical-evolutionary perspective will also be part of the students' training, in order to develop an awareness of the developments and controversial criticisms that have marked the history of French theatre.
Expected learning outcomes
The expected learning outcomes are 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 French tradition. Knowledge of some of the main figures, dramaturgies and theatrical practices of modern and contemporary development, of their historical-political, cultural and aesthetic contexts, of stage practice, of interlingual and interlinguistic transfer. Understanding of the theoretical, methodological and historical-cultural problems involved in the study of French theatre, including its intermedial and intercultural dissemination. Ability to analyse and interpret the dramatic text and the staging; ability to discuss and argue in a seminar context; ability to apply the skills acquired to produce a critical (written or oral) individual or group work of adequate methodological rigour (exposé).
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
"Et si on parlait de théâtre?/What if we talked about theater?": theater looks at itself...
1. Aspects and functions of metatheatricality in 20th and 21st century French-language theater (M. Modenesi)
2. "L'utopie c'est le possible non encore réalisé" (Utopia is the possible not yet realized). Ariane Mnouchkine and the revolution in theater (A. Piletti)
3. Theatrical reflection, metatheater, reality, and fiction: the theater of Alexis Michalick (M. Modenesi)
Metatheatricality appeared early in the history of theater and continues to this day in contemporary dramaturgy. In the first part of the course (module A), we will define the phenomenon starting from an exemplary theatrical text and then investigate the different manifestations of metatheatricality in some plays of the 20th and 21st centuries and the function attributed to them. The second part of the course (module B) focuses on an extraordinary case of theater reflecting on theater: in 1964, Ariane Mnouchkine founded the Théâtre du Soleil, a theater company—still active today—destined to reshape French and international theater culture. In 1970, Paolo Grassi, at the helm of the Piccolo Teatro in Milan, recognized the revolutionary potential of Mnouchkine's work and produced 1789, La révolution doit s'arrêter à la perfection du bonheur in Milan. Starting from the Milanese premiere of 1789 and analyzing the show and its metatheatrical component, the module will focus on the method, thinking about theater, and artistic evolution of Mnouchkine and her ensemble. The third part of the course (module C) will be dedicated to a monographic analysis of an author whose work is an exceptional example of the reflective potential of theater: Alexis Michalick.
1. Aspects and functions of metatheatricality in 20th and 21st century French-language theater (M. Modenesi)
2. "L'utopie c'est le possible non encore réalisé" (Utopia is the possible not yet realized). Ariane Mnouchkine and the revolution in theater (A. Piletti)
3. Theatrical reflection, metatheater, reality, and fiction: the theater of Alexis Michalick (M. Modenesi)
Metatheatricality appeared early in the history of theater and continues to this day in contemporary dramaturgy. In the first part of the course (module A), we will define the phenomenon starting from an exemplary theatrical text and then investigate the different manifestations of metatheatricality in some plays of the 20th and 21st centuries and the function attributed to them. The second part of the course (module B) focuses on an extraordinary case of theater reflecting on theater: in 1964, Ariane Mnouchkine founded the Théâtre du Soleil, a theater company—still active today—destined to reshape French and international theater culture. In 1970, Paolo Grassi, at the helm of the Piccolo Teatro in Milan, recognized the revolutionary potential of Mnouchkine's work and produced 1789, La révolution doit s'arrêter à la perfection du bonheur in Milan. Starting from the Milanese premiere of 1789 and analyzing the show and its metatheatrical component, the module will focus on the method, thinking about theater, and artistic evolution of Mnouchkine and her ensemble. The third part of the course (module C) will be dedicated to a monographic analysis of an author whose work is an exceptional example of the reflective potential of theater: Alexis Michalick.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites specifically required. However, it would be good for students to possess a general background in French literary history and a level of French to be able to read the texts in the original language, although, in the classroom, translation by the teacher will always be provided. Students who are not following a course in an area related to Foreign Languages (with French among the languages of specialization) will be allowed to read the texts in Italian translation.
Teaching methods
Reading and analysis of the plays scheduled in class, always starting from the original language text. Viewing and analysis of videos related (where available) to their eventual staging. Possibly, brief "exposés" by students on aspects of the plays on the syllabus.
Teaching Resources
BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR REGISTERED STUDENTS
All material uploaded to this website (see "Materiali didattici")
One text of your choice from:
Luigi ALLEGRI, La drammaturgia da Diderot a Beckett, Laterza, 2020
Marie-Claude HUBERT, Il teatro francese. Dal Medio Evo al Novecento (French Theater: From the Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century), Grassina (FI), Le Lettere, 2009
Mariagabriella CAMBIAGHI, Aurora EGIDIO, Isabella INNAMORATI, Annamaria SAPIENZA, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente (History of Theater: Stage and Performance in the West), Milan, Pearson, 2020
One text chosen from:
Anne UBERSFLED, Lire le théâtre 1, Paris, Colin Université, available edition
Anne UBERSFELD, Leggere lo spettacolo, Rome, Carocci, ed. disp.
As regards the works on the program, students enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Languages or Linguistic Mediation (and who have French as one of their two languages of specialization) will present the texts in the original French version. Students enrolled in other degree programs may present the text in Italian translation (if available) in any complete edition. A list of texts in translation will be provided. If an Italian translation is not available, students are required to contact the professor responsible for the individual module.
Part 1 - MODULE A
Pierre CORNEILLE, L'Illusion comique, available edition
Jean ANOUILH, La répétition ou l'amour puni, Paris, Folio, ed. disp.
Éric-Emmanuel SCHMITT, Frédérik ou le boulevard du crime, Paris, Albin Michel, ed. disp.
Patrick RAMBERT, Répétition, Besançon, Les Solitaires Intempestifs, ed. disp.
Part 2 - MODULE B
Théâtre du Soleil, Isolde Lecostey (ed.), 1789. La révolution doit s'arrêter à la perfection du bonheur, Paris, Flammarion, 2025 (recommended text)
Compulsory reading of one of the following texts: Compulsory reading of one of the following texts:
Barbara Alesse, Ariane Mnouchkine e il Théâtre du Soleil, Editoria e spettacolo, 2005
Bruno Tackels, Ariane Mnouchkine et le Théâtre du Soleil, Ecrivains du plateau, Tome 6, Solitaires intempestifs, 2013.
Webography: theatre-du-soleil.fr
Part 3 - MODULE C
Alexis MICHALICK, Edmond, Paris, Magnard, 2018
A. MICHALICK, Intra muros, Paris, Magnard, 2021
BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
All material uploaded to this site (see "Materiali didattici")
One text of your choice from:
Luigi ALLEGRI, La drammaturgia da Diderot a Beckett, Laterza, 2020
Marie-Claude HUBERT, Il teatro francese. Dal Medio Evo al Novecento, Grassina (FI), Le Lettere, 2009
Mariagabriella CAMBIAGHI, Aurora EGIDIO, Isabella INNAMORATI, Annamaria SAPIENZA, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente (History of Theater. Stage and Performance in the West), Milan, Pearson, 2020
One text of your choice from:
Anne UBERSFLED, Lire le théâtre 1 (Reading Theater 1), Paris, Colin Université, available edition
Anne UBERSFELD, Leggere lo spettacolo, Rome, Carocci, ed. disp.
With regard to the works on the program, students enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Languages or Linguistic Mediation (and who have French as one of their two languages of specialization) will present the texts in the original French version. Students enrolled in other degree programs may present the text in Italian translation (if available) in any complete edition. A list of texts in translation will be provided. If an Italian translation is not available, students are required to contact the professor responsible for the individual module.
Part 1 - MODULE A
Pierre CORNEILLE, L'Illusion comique, available edition
Jean ANOUILH, La répétition ou l'amour puni, Paris, Folio, ed. disp.
Éric-Emmanuel SCHMITT, Frédérik ou le boulevard du crime, Paris, Albin Michel, ed. disp.
Patrick RAMBERT, Répétition, Besançon, Les Solitaires Intempestifs, ed. disp.
Part 2 - MODULE B
Non-attending students must agree on the bibliography for this module directly with Prof. Anna Piletti.
Website: theatre-du-soleil.fr
Part 3 - MODULE C
Alexis MICHALICK, Edmond, Paris, Magnard, 2018
A. MICHALICK, Intra muros, Paris, Magnard, 2021
https://www.lesechos.fr/weekend/spectacles-musique/theatre-alexis-michalik-les-secrets-dun-succes-populaire-2132849
All material uploaded to this website (see "Materiali didattici")
One text of your choice from:
Luigi ALLEGRI, La drammaturgia da Diderot a Beckett, Laterza, 2020
Marie-Claude HUBERT, Il teatro francese. Dal Medio Evo al Novecento (French Theater: From the Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century), Grassina (FI), Le Lettere, 2009
Mariagabriella CAMBIAGHI, Aurora EGIDIO, Isabella INNAMORATI, Annamaria SAPIENZA, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente (History of Theater: Stage and Performance in the West), Milan, Pearson, 2020
One text chosen from:
Anne UBERSFLED, Lire le théâtre 1, Paris, Colin Université, available edition
Anne UBERSFELD, Leggere lo spettacolo, Rome, Carocci, ed. disp.
As regards the works on the program, students enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Languages or Linguistic Mediation (and who have French as one of their two languages of specialization) will present the texts in the original French version. Students enrolled in other degree programs may present the text in Italian translation (if available) in any complete edition. A list of texts in translation will be provided. If an Italian translation is not available, students are required to contact the professor responsible for the individual module.
Part 1 - MODULE A
Pierre CORNEILLE, L'Illusion comique, available edition
Jean ANOUILH, La répétition ou l'amour puni, Paris, Folio, ed. disp.
Éric-Emmanuel SCHMITT, Frédérik ou le boulevard du crime, Paris, Albin Michel, ed. disp.
Patrick RAMBERT, Répétition, Besançon, Les Solitaires Intempestifs, ed. disp.
Part 2 - MODULE B
Théâtre du Soleil, Isolde Lecostey (ed.), 1789. La révolution doit s'arrêter à la perfection du bonheur, Paris, Flammarion, 2025 (recommended text)
Compulsory reading of one of the following texts: Compulsory reading of one of the following texts:
Barbara Alesse, Ariane Mnouchkine e il Théâtre du Soleil, Editoria e spettacolo, 2005
Bruno Tackels, Ariane Mnouchkine et le Théâtre du Soleil, Ecrivains du plateau, Tome 6, Solitaires intempestifs, 2013.
Webography: theatre-du-soleil.fr
Part 3 - MODULE C
Alexis MICHALICK, Edmond, Paris, Magnard, 2018
A. MICHALICK, Intra muros, Paris, Magnard, 2021
BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
All material uploaded to this site (see "Materiali didattici")
One text of your choice from:
Luigi ALLEGRI, La drammaturgia da Diderot a Beckett, Laterza, 2020
Marie-Claude HUBERT, Il teatro francese. Dal Medio Evo al Novecento, Grassina (FI), Le Lettere, 2009
Mariagabriella CAMBIAGHI, Aurora EGIDIO, Isabella INNAMORATI, Annamaria SAPIENZA, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente (History of Theater. Stage and Performance in the West), Milan, Pearson, 2020
One text of your choice from:
Anne UBERSFLED, Lire le théâtre 1 (Reading Theater 1), Paris, Colin Université, available edition
Anne UBERSFELD, Leggere lo spettacolo, Rome, Carocci, ed. disp.
With regard to the works on the program, students enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Languages or Linguistic Mediation (and who have French as one of their two languages of specialization) will present the texts in the original French version. Students enrolled in other degree programs may present the text in Italian translation (if available) in any complete edition. A list of texts in translation will be provided. If an Italian translation is not available, students are required to contact the professor responsible for the individual module.
Part 1 - MODULE A
Pierre CORNEILLE, L'Illusion comique, available edition
Jean ANOUILH, La répétition ou l'amour puni, Paris, Folio, ed. disp.
Éric-Emmanuel SCHMITT, Frédérik ou le boulevard du crime, Paris, Albin Michel, ed. disp.
Patrick RAMBERT, Répétition, Besançon, Les Solitaires Intempestifs, ed. disp.
Part 2 - MODULE B
Non-attending students must agree on the bibliography for this module directly with Prof. Anna Piletti.
Website: theatre-du-soleil.fr
Part 3 - MODULE C
Alexis MICHALICK, Edmond, Paris, Magnard, 2018
A. MICHALICK, Intra muros, Paris, Magnard, 2021
https://www.lesechos.fr/weekend/spectacles-musique/theatre-alexis-michalik-les-secrets-dun-succes-populaire-2132849
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will take the form of an oral interview, in either Italian or French at the candidate's choice. The student will have to, starting from the texts of the works in the program, demonstrate a global understanding of the text, elements related to staging and its hermeneutic scope. He/she should, in addition, be familiar with the broad outlines of twentieth-century French theater as well as the methodologies of the analysis of theatrical text illustrated during the course.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
L-LIN/03 - FRENCH LITERATURE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
L-LIN/03 - FRENCH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
First semester (from September 15th, 2025): Wednesday, 4pm-6pm; Thursday 9.30am-10.30am, unless otherwise notified. Student consultations are not held on public holidays or when classes are suspended.
Department of Foreing languages,literatures, cultures and mediations; 1, S. Alessandro Square, Milan