History of Theatre and Performing Arts
A.Y. 2025/2026
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
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
(A-D)
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
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)
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 credits): Analysis of dramatic texts: a methodological approach
Part C (20 hours - 3 credits): The Milanese theatre scene in the last 20 years
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.
Part B (20 hours - 3 credits): Analysis of dramatic texts: a methodological approach
Part C (20 hours - 3 credits): The Milanese theatre scene in the last 20 years
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
he 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
L. Allegri ( a cura di), Leggere il teatro. Dieci testi esemplari, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
Part C
Topics presented during classes of part C
Collection of critical essays edited by the lecturer, available for download from the MyAriel website.
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) L. Allegri ( a cura di), Leggere il teatro. Dieci testi esemplari, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
3) G. Della Ferrera - F. Rigato (a cura di), Tino Carraro attore di regia, Milano, Mimesis, 2023.
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) L. Allegri ( a cura di), Leggere il teatro. Dieci testi esemplari, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
3) Collection of critical essays edited by the lecturer, available for download from the MyAriel website.
4) G. Della Ferrera - F. Rigato (a cura di), Tino Carraro attore di regia, Milano, Mimesis, 2023.
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
L. Allegri ( a cura di), Leggere il teatro. Dieci testi esemplari, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
Part C
Topics presented during classes of part C
Collection of critical essays edited by the lecturer, available for download from the MyAriel website.
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) L. Allegri ( a cura di), Leggere il teatro. Dieci testi esemplari, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
3) G. Della Ferrera - F. Rigato (a cura di), Tino Carraro attore di regia, Milano, Mimesis, 2023.
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) L. Allegri ( a cura di), Leggere il teatro. Dieci testi esemplari, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
3) Collection of critical essays edited by the lecturer, available for download from the MyAriel website.
4) G. Della Ferrera - F. Rigato (a cura di), Tino Carraro attore di regia, Milano, Mimesis, 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 and will be avalaible on MyAriel website.
Warning
International students or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher in charge of the course in a timely manner.
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 credits): Insights from the book: the evolution of the scenic space and the birth of direction
Part B (20 hours - 3 credits): Robert Lepage
Part C (20 hours - 3 credits): The theatrical thought of Fernando Mastropasqua and Marco De Marinis.
Presentation of the course
The course aims to provide basic knowledge regarding the history of Western theater and entertainment from ancient Greece to the twentieth century, with particular attention to the evolution of the scenic space, the birth of modern scenography and direction. The second unit is dedicated to the work of Robert Lepage;
Section C includes an in-depth study on the thought and critical methodology of the theater scholars Fernando Mastropasqua and Marco De Marinis
Part B (20 hours - 3 credits): Robert Lepage
Part C (20 hours - 3 credits): The theatrical thought of Fernando Mastropasqua and Marco De Marinis.
Presentation of the course
The course aims to provide basic knowledge regarding the history of Western theater and entertainment from ancient Greece to the twentieth century, with particular attention to the evolution of the scenic space, the birth of modern scenography and direction. The second unit is dedicated to the work of Robert Lepage;
Section C includes an in-depth study on the thought and critical methodology of the theater scholars Fernando Mastropasqua and Marco De Marinis
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 suggest to read the text for the examination (part 1) before the beginning of the academic course.
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 suggest 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
For 6 credits: prepare parts A and B
For 9 credits: prepare parts A, B and C
Part A
The notes from the lessons of unit A
Manual: Cambiaghi, Innamorati, Storia del teatro, Pearson edizioni; For the iconographic apparatus cited in the manual and for a better understanding, it is recommended to consult the book by Stefano Mazzoni Spazi e forme dello spettacolo in Occidente dal mondo antico a Wagner. Atlante iconografico (Titivillus). Available in the library.
The theatrical texts to be read in full and brought to the exam will be said in class. The texts will however be available in the library.
Part B
The notes from the lessons of unit B
Monteverdi Scenographers. The history of scenographers from the avant-garde to today (Dino Audino 2022);
It is requested to consult the files on Margherita Palli and Es Devlin from the Peroni website (stage engineering company).
Part C. F. Mastropasqua, The Flight of Icarus. The Sublime Falls of the Theater, PRINP 2025; M. De Marinis, In Search of the Actor, Bulzoni. Both volumes will be illustrated and explained in class with visual reference materials
Bibliography for non-attending students
6-credit exam program for non-attending students:
Part A
Cambiaghi I. Innamorati, History of the Theater, PEARSON editions; Concetta D'Angeli, Forms of Dramaturgy, ETS PISA. BOTH VOLUMES MUST BE BRINGED.
To be added as an integration of the manual, the reading of the following texts:
A Greek tragedy and comedy of your choice; Goldoni's Comic Theater; Moliere's The Imaginary Invalid; Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet; Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard; Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author; Brecht, The Threepenny Opera; Beckett's Happy Days. The texts should be analyzed following the formal dramaturgical structures identified by D'Angeli in the volume in the program
Part B
Monteverdi Memoria maschera e macchina nel teatro di Lepage, Meltemi,
Part C F. Mastropasqua, The flight of Icarus. The sublime falls of the theater, PRINP 2025. F. Mastropasqua, The strange pity of Mr. Bertolt Brecht (Prinp publisher:). Since the text analyzes Mother courage, it should be read as an integration, Brecht's theatrical work; and also M. De Marinis, In search of the actor, Bulzoni 2005
For 6 credits: prepare parts A and B
For 9 credits: prepare parts A, B and C
Part A
The notes from the lessons of unit A
Manual: Cambiaghi, Innamorati, Storia del teatro, Pearson edizioni; For the iconographic apparatus cited in the manual and for a better understanding, it is recommended to consult the book by Stefano Mazzoni Spazi e forme dello spettacolo in Occidente dal mondo antico a Wagner. Atlante iconografico (Titivillus). Available in the library.
The theatrical texts to be read in full and brought to the exam will be said in class. The texts will however be available in the library.
Part B
The notes from the lessons of unit B
Monteverdi Scenographers. The history of scenographers from the avant-garde to today (Dino Audino 2022);
It is requested to consult the files on Margherita Palli and Es Devlin from the Peroni website (stage engineering company).
Part C. F. Mastropasqua, The Flight of Icarus. The Sublime Falls of the Theater, PRINP 2025; M. De Marinis, In Search of the Actor, Bulzoni. Both volumes will be illustrated and explained in class with visual reference materials
Bibliography for non-attending students
6-credit exam program for non-attending students:
Part A
Cambiaghi I. Innamorati, History of the Theater, PEARSON editions; Concetta D'Angeli, Forms of Dramaturgy, ETS PISA. BOTH VOLUMES MUST BE BRINGED.
To be added as an integration of the manual, the reading of the following texts:
A Greek tragedy and comedy of your choice; Goldoni's Comic Theater; Moliere's The Imaginary Invalid; Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet; Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard; Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author; Brecht, The Threepenny Opera; Beckett's Happy Days. The texts should be analyzed following the formal dramaturgical structures identified by D'Angeli in the volume in the program
Part B
Monteverdi Memoria maschera e macchina nel teatro di Lepage, Meltemi,
Part C F. Mastropasqua, The flight of Icarus. The sublime falls of the theater, PRINP 2025. F. Mastropasqua, The strange pity of Mr. Bertolt Brecht (Prinp publisher:). Since the text analyzes Mother courage, it should be read as an integration, Brecht's theatrical work; and also M. De Marinis, In search of the actor, Bulzoni 2005
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.
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