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 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): This text is a comprehensive history of Western theatre, covering the period from antiquity to the 20th century.
Part B (20 hours - 3 cfu): The historical elements of Western theatre in the 20th century are clear.
Part C (20 hours - 3 cfu): This text explores the origins and development of theatre directing in Italy, focusing on the case of Visconti.
The course provides a comprehensive overview of the history of theatre in Europe from ancient Greece to the twentieth century. It focuses not only on playwriting but also analyses the evolution of the theatre space, the impact of actors, directors, designers, companies and organisations in the process of theatre-making. The second unit focuses squarely on methods and tools of analysis of playwriting acting for the stage during the twentieth century. The third unit provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Italian contemporary theatre, highlighting significant events and protagonists that have shaped the landscape of Italian theatres.
Part B (20 hours - 3 cfu): The historical elements of Western theatre in the 20th century are clear.
Part C (20 hours - 3 cfu): This text explores the origins and development of theatre directing in Italy, focusing on the case of Visconti.
The course provides a comprehensive overview of the history of theatre in Europe from ancient Greece to the twentieth century. It focuses not only on playwriting but also analyses the evolution of the theatre space, the impact of actors, directors, designers, companies and organisations in the process of theatre-making. The second unit focuses squarely on methods and tools of analysis of playwriting acting for the stage during the twentieth century. The third unit provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Italian contemporary theatre, highlighting significant events and protagonists that have shaped the landscape of Italian theatres.
Prerequisites for admission
You will need a solid knowledge of the general chronology of modern and contemporary history and of the main trends in Italian and European literature and culture. You must know the basic concepts of historical chronology and the main movements of Italian and European literature and culture. Classes are in Italian. This course is exclusively for students enrolled in the BA programme in Cultural Heritage Sciences and other undergraduate programmes that include this subject. Bachelor and master students of Humanities, History, Languages and Philosophy can take it. Classes are reserved for students with surnames from A to D.
Teaching methods
The objective of the course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental issues related to the history of theatre, including the theoretical frameworks and methodologies employed in various disciplines such as dramaturgy, performance studies, organisational theory, and set design. The objective of these lectures is to cultivate analytical and critical skills and abilities with regard to the analysis of dramatic texts and performances.
Throughout the duration of the course, students will have the opportunity to attend a series of performances scheduled to take place in Milan theatres.
Throughout the duration of the course, students will have the opportunity to attend a series of performances scheduled to take place in Milan theatres.
Teaching Resources
Bibliography for attending students
For 6 cfu: prepare parts A and B
For 9 cfu: prepare parts A, B and C
Part A
Lecture notes of Unit A
M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milan, Pearson, 2020.
Part B
The lecture notes of Unit B.
M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milan, Pearson, 2020.
Part C
The lecture notes of Unit C
M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milan, Pearson, 2020.
Alberto Bentoglio, Luchino Visconti, Carocci Editore, Rome, forthcoming.
Bibliography for non-attending students
6 cfu examination programme for non-attending students
1) M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milan, Pearson, 2020.
2) Claudio Vicentini, Storia della recitazione teatrale. Dal mondo antico alla scena digitale, Marsilio, Venice, 2023, pp. 1-333.
9 cfu examination programme for non-attending students:
1) M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milan, Pearson, 2020.
2) Alberto Bentoglio, Luchino Visconti, Carocci Editore, Rome, forthcoming.
3) Claudio Vicentini, Storia della recitazione teatrale. Dal mondo antico alla scena digitale, Marsilio, Venice, 2023, whole book.
For 6 cfu: prepare parts A and B
For 9 cfu: prepare parts A, B and C
Part A
Lecture notes of Unit A
M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milan, Pearson, 2020.
Part B
The lecture notes of Unit B.
M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milan, Pearson, 2020.
Part C
The lecture notes of Unit C
M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milan, Pearson, 2020.
Alberto Bentoglio, Luchino Visconti, Carocci Editore, Rome, forthcoming.
Bibliography for non-attending students
6 cfu examination programme for non-attending students
1) M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milan, Pearson, 2020.
2) Claudio Vicentini, Storia della recitazione teatrale. Dal mondo antico alla scena digitale, Marsilio, Venice, 2023, pp. 1-333.
9 cfu examination programme for non-attending students:
1) M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scena e spettacolo in Occidente, Milan, Pearson, 2020.
2) Alberto Bentoglio, Luchino Visconti, Carocci Editore, Rome, forthcoming.
3) Claudio Vicentini, Storia della recitazione teatrale. Dal mondo antico alla scena digitale, Marsilio, Venice, 2023, whole book.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination comprises a written test that aims to evaluate the candidate's knowledge of the history of theatre, as well as the in-depth bibliography outlined in the examination syllabus. The examination places particular emphasis on the candidate's ability to formulate arguments and their command of the terminology specific to the discipline. It is imperative to note that instructions pertaining to the written test will be issued exclusively within the confines of the classroom during the designated lecture periods. The validity of this syllabus extends from the commencement of the initial examination cycle until the conclusion of the scheduled examination cycles for the 2025-2026 academic year. International or Erasmus incoming students are strongly encouraged to establish communication with the course instructor in a timely manner. It is imperative that students with disabilities and/or DSA arrange an examination arrangement with their respective professors, in consultation with the relevant office.
Modules or teaching units
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.
Modules or teaching units
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.
Modules or teaching units
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