Hispano American Theatre
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The object of study is the original Spanish-American theatrical mosaic in its continental and European relations, with appropriate references to the linguistic, historical and literary context of the large area involved and attention, from year to year, for a period, a region or a specific theme. In addition to the consideration of the works as literary texts, ample space is given to specific issues of the theatrical event, such as staging, the dichotomy between scenic space and dramatic space, the commercial dimension, the relationship with other literary genres and the different arts. Furthermore, the specific lexicon of theater studies is presented, sequences of significant productions are viewed and versions of theatrical works in other media are analysed. Finally, throughout the Academic Year we propose trips to attend theater shows on the programme, even if not strictly related to the topic covered, and - as far as possible - in-depth seminar meetings with directors, actors, teachers and educational trips. education, as well as study stays under international agreements. Teaching is held in Italian, but at least passive competence in Spanish is desirable, given that translations of the texts studied or of the critical bibliography do not always exist.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: the student will know the essential lines of development of the different Hispanic American theatrical and spectacular forms in close relation with the history of literature, culture and society from the Conquest to the contemporary era, paying particular attention to the indigenous substratum and the process syncretic between African, Asian and European elements. He will have read some of the most significant works of the period in question and viewed, when possible, recordings of theatrical productions and versions of the same works in other media (mainly cinema and television).
Skills: the student will have acquired a historical-geographical and socio-literary awareness of Latin American scenarios which will allow him to adequately contextualize the works and authors treated. He will be able to analyze the peculiarities of the dramatic text through thematic and structural, linguistic and stylistic, aesthetic and rhetorical criteria. Will be able to use the basic terminology of theater studies; will be able to analyze a theatrical production or a version in other media. They will be able to interpret theatrical phenomena in relation to modern and contemporary historical-cultural and political reality, colonial, postcolonial and decolonial. Finally, they will be able to orient themselves on the history, sources, methods and tools of the studies of the different forms of theater relating to the specific Latin American context.
Skills: the student will have acquired a historical-geographical and socio-literary awareness of Latin American scenarios which will allow him to adequately contextualize the works and authors treated. He will be able to analyze the peculiarities of the dramatic text through thematic and structural, linguistic and stylistic, aesthetic and rhetorical criteria. Will be able to use the basic terminology of theater studies; will be able to analyze a theatrical production or a version in other media. They will be able to interpret theatrical phenomena in relation to modern and contemporary historical-cultural and political reality, colonial, postcolonial and decolonial. Finally, they will be able to orient themselves on the history, sources, methods and tools of the studies of the different forms of theater relating to the specific Latin American 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
The course examines several examples of contemporary theater (20th-21st centuries) with relevant references to colonial and independence-era theater.
Given the diverse landscape of Latin American theater, the course focuses on three works that differ in genre, theme, or geographic origin, devoting ten classes to each.
Virgilio Piñera, "Electra Garrigó"
Arístides Vargas, "La razón blindada"
Elena Garro, "La dama boba"
Given the diverse landscape of Latin American theater, the course focuses on three works that differ in genre, theme, or geographic origin, devoting ten classes to each.
Virgilio Piñera, "Electra Garrigó"
Arístides Vargas, "La razón blindada"
Elena Garro, "La dama boba"
Prerequisites for admission
At least passive knowledge of the Spanish language.
Basic knowledge of Latin American theater and contemporary Western theatrical forms.
Basic knowledge of Latin American theater and contemporary Western theatrical forms.
Teaching methods
Lectures; analysis and interactive commentary on the works on the programme; guided discussion related to the viewing of films and theatrical footage; individual or group presentations.
Teaching Resources
Virgilio Piñera, "Electra Garrigó" (pdf)
Stefano Amendola, "L'Electra Garrigó di Virgilio Piñera: appunti "di genere" tra Atene e La Habana". Tradizioni classiche /Letterature Ispanoaericane. Salerno, Oèdipus, 2017: 199-214.
Arístides Vargas, "La razón blindada" (pdf)
Jorge Dubatti, "El teatro 1983-2013: Postdictadura (después de la dictadura, consecuencias de la dictadura)"., ILCEA, 22, 2015.
Elena Garro, "Teatro completo", México, FCE, 2016.
Vega, Lope de, "La dama boba", edizione critica di M. Presotto, Bologna, PROLOPE, 2015.
Marie Galéra, "La mise en abyme en La Dama Boba de Elena Garro". D. Meyran, Alejandro Ortiz (eds.) El Teatro mexicano visto desde Europa. Perpignan, Presses universitaires de Perpignan, 2020: 157-163.
Stefano Amendola, "L'Electra Garrigó di Virgilio Piñera: appunti "di genere" tra Atene e La Habana". Tradizioni classiche /Letterature Ispanoaericane. Salerno, Oèdipus, 2017: 199-214.
Arístides Vargas, "La razón blindada" (pdf)
Jorge Dubatti, "El teatro 1983-2013: Postdictadura (después de la dictadura, consecuencias de la dictadura)"., ILCEA, 22, 2015.
Elena Garro, "Teatro completo", México, FCE, 2016.
Vega, Lope de, "La dama boba", edizione critica di M. Presotto, Bologna, PROLOPE, 2015.
Marie Galéra, "La mise en abyme en La Dama Boba de Elena Garro". D. Meyran, Alejandro Ortiz (eds.) El Teatro mexicano visto desde Europa. Perpignan, Presses universitaires de Perpignan, 2020: 157-163.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral interview partially replaceable (a third) by written text to be agreed upon.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
SPAN-01/B - Spanish-American Languages and Literatures - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
SPAN-01/B - Spanish-American Languages and Literatures - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)