German Theatre and Performance
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The advanced German Theatre course is designed for international students with a background in theatre & performance studies and/or German literature and culture. It offers an in-depth exploration of historical, aesthetic and methodological issues as well as practical workshops focusing on performance techniques, text analysis, and contemporary approaches to staging. Students will engage with a variety of texts from classical to contemporary modern German drama, critically examining their historical and cultural contexts and exploring innovative methods of performance and interpretation.
Course Objectives: 1) to deepen understanding of the history of German theatre, from classical to contemporary periods; 2) to explore the works of iconic German playwrights and directors; 3) to critically analyse the texts, performance styles, and socio-political contexts of German theatre and their resonance on the Italian stage; 4) to enhance practical skills through workshops and collaborative projects, with a particular focus on intermedial transformation and intercultural transfer.
Course Objectives: 1) to deepen understanding of the history of German theatre, from classical to contemporary periods; 2) to explore the works of iconic German playwrights and directors; 3) to critically analyse the texts, performance styles, and socio-political contexts of German theatre and their resonance on the Italian stage; 4) to enhance practical skills through workshops and collaborative projects, with a particular focus on intermedial transformation and intercultural transfer.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students are expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes: 1) an in-depth knowledge of the key aspects, periods, figures and theories of German theatre history; 2) the ability to critically analyse iconic German plays and performance techniques, examining their socio-political contexts and their influence on global theatre, particularly on the Italian stage; 3) enhanced teamwork skills and practical experience of "Theaterarbeit", with a particular focus on a) intermedial transformation and b) intercultural exchange.
In relation to a), students will explore contemporary staging and performance techniques and learn to interpret German theatre through innovative, interdisciplinary practices that integrate text, movement, and multimedia elements. With regard to b), students will explore methods of translating, adapting, and mediating German theatre for the Italian context.
In relation to a), students will explore contemporary staging and performance techniques and learn to interpret German theatre through innovative, interdisciplinary practices that integrate text, movement, and multimedia elements. With regard to b), students will explore methods of translating, adapting, and mediating German theatre for the Italian context.
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
Course Title:
Antigone in Deutschland - Transformationen eines Mythos (60 hours, 6/9 ECTS credits)
Part A (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits, Prof. M. Castellari): Antigone in Deutschland: Ein Überblick
Part B (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits, Prof. M. Castellari): Antigone-Bearbeitungen für die Bühne (20.-21. Jh.)
Part C (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits, Prof. M.C. Cavecchi): Analysis of European stagings and performances
This course, conducted in German, is intended for Master's students and offers the possibility of earning either 6 or 9 ECTS credits. Students wishing to obtain 6 ECTS will follow the curriculum of Units A and B; those aiming for 9 ECTS will complete the full program.
The course syllabus is valid until September 2027.
Parts A and B explore the presence of Antigone in German-language culture and theatre. Following an introduction to the myth, Sophocles' tragedy, and its reception in German-speaking contexts up to the 19th century, the focus will shift to the rich and diverse reinterpretations of the 20th and 21st centuries. In these adaptations, Antigone emerges as a pivotal figure through which artists and writers engage with historical trauma, existential questions, issues of identity and gender, justice and power, and the relationship between the individual, community, and the inhabitable world.
Part C will be organised in seminar format to develop individual skills for the analysis and personal study of plays and performances from contemporary European theatre.
Antigone in Deutschland - Transformationen eines Mythos (60 hours, 6/9 ECTS credits)
Part A (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits, Prof. M. Castellari): Antigone in Deutschland: Ein Überblick
Part B (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits, Prof. M. Castellari): Antigone-Bearbeitungen für die Bühne (20.-21. Jh.)
Part C (20 hours, 3 ECTS credits, Prof. M.C. Cavecchi): Analysis of European stagings and performances
This course, conducted in German, is intended for Master's students and offers the possibility of earning either 6 or 9 ECTS credits. Students wishing to obtain 6 ECTS will follow the curriculum of Units A and B; those aiming for 9 ECTS will complete the full program.
The course syllabus is valid until September 2027.
Parts A and B explore the presence of Antigone in German-language culture and theatre. Following an introduction to the myth, Sophocles' tragedy, and its reception in German-speaking contexts up to the 19th century, the focus will shift to the rich and diverse reinterpretations of the 20th and 21st centuries. In these adaptations, Antigone emerges as a pivotal figure through which artists and writers engage with historical trauma, existential questions, issues of identity and gender, justice and power, and the relationship between the individual, community, and the inhabitable world.
Part C will be organised in seminar format to develop individual skills for the analysis and personal study of plays and performances from contemporary European theatre.
Prerequisites for admission
Good proficiency in the German language (minimum starting level B2), familiarity with literature and theatre studies (possibly including GFermn tudies) and solid independence in the analysis and interpretation of texts and performances and in the use of critical literature.
Teaching methods
The lectures, both face-to-face and seminar-based, involve direct teacher-student discussion and the critical participation of students in the discussion of the texts, performances and topics addressed during the lectures. Attendance at lectures also constitutes in this sense a fundamental formative moment for active and passive skills in the German language.
Teaching Resources
All course materials for parts A&B will be uploaded to the MyARIEL course page, following the progression of the lessons. These materials will be mandatory either for all students (both attending and non-attending) or only non-attending students, depending on the specific instructions provided. Text and materials will be divided into two folders:
Reader A: Antigone in Deutschland: Ein Überblick
Reader B: Antigone-Bearbeitungen für die Bühne (20.-21. Jh.)
All students are required to be familiar with Sophocles' tragedy "Antigone", which may be read in a language of their choice.
Regarding Part C, materials and texts will be discussed in a seminar format. Students who do not attend classes but wish to complete this part of the course are advised to contact the instructors for guidance.
Reader A: Antigone in Deutschland: Ein Überblick
Reader B: Antigone-Bearbeitungen für die Bühne (20.-21. Jh.)
All students are required to be familiar with Sophocles' tragedy "Antigone", which may be read in a language of their choice.
Regarding Part C, materials and texts will be discussed in a seminar format. Students who do not attend classes but wish to complete this part of the course are advised to contact the instructors for guidance.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of two parts. As a rule, it is conducted in German.
For Units A and B, students may take a "Klausur" (a written exam in the form of a short essay chosen from three assigned topics), which will focus on one of the issues and texts/passages discussed in class. This exam will be scheduled at the end of the semester and will take place on a single date. Alternatively, students may choose to take the exam as an oral exam during one of the official examination sessions that follow, preparing all the texts and materials on the syllabus.
For the optional Part C, the interview will focus on the content of the seminar sessions and on an individual project, to be presented as an oral 'referat' on a topic agreed upon at least two weeks in advance.
The evaluation will take into account analytical, argumentative, and interpretive skills; historical and cultural knowledge; critical-literary competence; and command of the relevant academic vocabulary.
For Units A and B, students may take a "Klausur" (a written exam in the form of a short essay chosen from three assigned topics), which will focus on one of the issues and texts/passages discussed in class. This exam will be scheduled at the end of the semester and will take place on a single date. Alternatively, students may choose to take the exam as an oral exam during one of the official examination sessions that follow, preparing all the texts and materials on the syllabus.
For the optional Part C, the interview will focus on the content of the seminar sessions and on an individual project, to be presented as an oral 'referat' on a topic agreed upon at least two weeks in advance.
The evaluation will take into account analytical, argumentative, and interpretive skills; historical and cultural knowledge; critical-literary competence; and command of the relevant academic vocabulary.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
L-LIN/13 - GERMAN LITERATURE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Castellari Marco
Part C
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Cavecchi Mariacristina
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
8/9, 4pm. 16/9, 3.30pm. Teams: i2vrlh3.
Teams