Italian Contemporary Theatre
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide an in-depth understanding and a historical-critical methodology regarding the main phenomena of 20th-century Italian theatre, placing them in dialogue with the European and international context. The second and third parts of the course offer analytical pathways dedicated to the director's theatre in Italy, with particular reference to the productions of the "Teatro Stabile," studied from the perspective of the relationship between text and staging, through historical and contemporary examples from the Milanese stage. The main objective is to equip students with specific skills for the critical analysis of theatre performances.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will acquire methodological and critical skills to analyze the process of theatrical creation, along with in-depth knowledge of the historical and cultural context in which the text and performance are situated. In particular, students will develop the ability to critically analyse examples of Italian director's theatre.
Lesson period: First 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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Part A (20 hours - 3 credits): Eleonora Duse at the Turning Point of the Early 20th Century
Part B (20 hours - 3 credits): Revolutions in European theatre between the 20th and 21st Centuries
Part C (20 hours - 3 credits): Directing in Italian Theatre in the Late 20th Century
Course Overview
The course addresses the evolution of live theatre performance in the 20th century, identifying key moments of development. Starting from the phenomenon of Eleonora Duse's acting, it traverses the 20th century, highlighting significant artists and performances that have redefined the function of theatre and its audience engagement, leading up to examples from recent years. The final part of the course focuses on the Italian context, specifically analyzing the evolution of theatre directing.
Part B (20 hours - 3 credits): Revolutions in European theatre between the 20th and 21st Centuries
Part C (20 hours - 3 credits): Directing in Italian Theatre in the Late 20th Century
Course Overview
The course addresses the evolution of live theatre performance in the 20th century, identifying key moments of development. Starting from the phenomenon of Eleonora Duse's acting, it traverses the 20th century, highlighting significant artists and performances that have redefined the function of theatre and its audience engagement, leading up to examples from recent years. The final part of the course focuses on the Italian context, specifically analyzing the evolution of theatre directing.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is addressed to students of Master degree in Music,Theatre Artd and Literature (TAL) and Music, Culture, Media and Performance, and is open to master students of Humanities, History, Languages and Philosophy. Knowledge of the basic concepts of History of the Western theatre and historical chronology of contemporary literature and culture is recommended. Classes are in Italian language.
Teaching methods
The course aims to provide a shared methodology to study the performing arts with critic and historical skills. It focuses on material history of live performances and on the contribution of actor on stage in terms of artistic creation.
To achieve its objective, teaching will use diverse sources (literary documents, reviews and audiovisual materials) and take a comparative methodological approach keeping into account the different contribution to the field of study provided by different disciplines - literature, fine arts, social and economic history.
To achieve its objective, teaching will use diverse sources (literary documents, reviews and audiovisual materials) and take a comparative methodological approach keeping into account the different contribution to the field of study provided by different disciplines - literature, fine arts, social and economic history.
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. Schino, Eleonora Duse. Storia e immagini di una rivoluzione teatrale, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
Part B
Topics presented during classes of part B
AA.VV., Storie di spettacoli. Uno sguardo contemporaneo, Torino, Utet, 2023
Part C
Topics presented during classes of part C
3) G. Zanlonghi, La regia teatrale nel secondo Novecento, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
Bibliography for not attending students
6 cfu Programme not attending students
1) M. Schino, Eleonora Duse. Storia e immagini di una rivoluzione teatrale, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
2) AA.VV., Storie di spettacoli. Uno sguardo contemporaneo, Torino, Utet, 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. Schino, Eleonora Duse. Storia e immagini di una rivoluzione teatrale, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
2) AA.VV., Storie di spettacoli. Uno sguardo contemporaneo, Torino, Utet, 2023,
3) G. Zanlonghi, La regia teatrale nel secondo Novecento, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
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. Schino, Eleonora Duse. Storia e immagini di una rivoluzione teatrale, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
Part B
Topics presented during classes of part B
AA.VV., Storie di spettacoli. Uno sguardo contemporaneo, Torino, Utet, 2023
Part C
Topics presented during classes of part C
3) G. Zanlonghi, La regia teatrale nel secondo Novecento, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
Bibliography for not attending students
6 cfu Programme not attending students
1) M. Schino, Eleonora Duse. Storia e immagini di una rivoluzione teatrale, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
2) AA.VV., Storie di spettacoli. Uno sguardo contemporaneo, Torino, Utet, 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. Schino, Eleonora Duse. Storia e immagini di una rivoluzione teatrale, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
2) AA.VV., Storie di spettacoli. Uno sguardo contemporaneo, Torino, Utet, 2023,
3) G. Zanlonghi, La regia teatrale nel secondo Novecento, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
4) G. Della Ferrera - F. Rigato (a cura di), Tino Carraro attore di regia, Milano, Mimesis, 2023.
Assessment methods and Criteria
he exam consists in an oral test that aims to assess the students' knowledge of the history of the contemporary theatre and of the subjects on the programme, with particular attention to disciplinary terminology, argumentation skills and explanatory precision. For students attending classes is possible to take an intermediate paper. 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.
The examination procedures for students with disabilities and/or with DSA must be defined with the teacher, in agreement with the competent office.
Warning
International students or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher in charge of the course in a timely manner.
The examination procedures for students with disabilities and/or with DSA must be defined with the teacher, in agreement with the competent office.
L-ART/05 - PERFORMING ARTS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Cambiaghi Mariagabriella
Professor(s)