British Theatre
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
Building knowledge and appreciation of theatre, dramatic literature, and performance in their cultural, historical, and interdisciplinary contexts with special proficiency in at least one area of theatrical endeavor. Ability to deal with a range of methodologies in critical studies, playwriting and performance. Understanding and questioning theatre as a collaborative art form with social impact. Awareness of developments and controversies within the field. Applies what has been learned through opportunities for small performance, critical and creative work in small groups, and independent study.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire the knowledge of the general lines of the history of British theatre and will read several pivotal plays. They will also acquire and develop the critical and methodological tools enabling them to understand and analyze the dramatic texts as well as their productions. They will be able to place the plays within the broader literary, cultural and socio-political contexts and to discuss them in critical terms. They will gain a specific theatre language. They will learn to appreciate the ethical potential of theatre and to question and discuss the play's interaction with the audience. Thy will develop learning skills as well as the competences that are needed in case of team working, discussing in groups and presenting short papers or creative appropriation of the plays to the rest of the class.
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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Title: "'Words, words, words'. Power and Art on Stage" (40/60 ore, 6/9 CFU)
A: "Romeo and Juliet" and the breaking of the order
B: Museums on stage
C: The playwriting revolution of the 1990s
The course focuses on two important periods of the history of British theatre: Elizabethan Theatre and contemporary theatre. Besides, it concentrates on the critical and methodological tools for analyzing dramatic texts as well as their productions.
A is dedicated to William Shakespeare's theatre and its relevance to the present day. In particular, it focuses on the analysis of "Romeo and Juliet" and recent productions. Cinema adaptations are also taken into consideration.
B is dedicated to some plays written in the last thirty years and revolving around the world of the visual arts. In particular, it focuses on the representation on stage of museums (and art galleries) and discusses the role of art and artists in contemporary British society.
C focuses on some of the key plays of the 1990s.
- Students who wish to acquire 6 CFU should study two modules. If students wish to acquire 9 CFU they should study all three modules.
- The programme is valid until September 2024.
- The website of the course is online on the Ariel platform (http://ariel.unimi.it): students will be able to download slides and other materials. Critical essays on general questions or on specific texts will be available. The website also contains general information on the course.
A: "Romeo and Juliet" and the breaking of the order
B: Museums on stage
C: The playwriting revolution of the 1990s
The course focuses on two important periods of the history of British theatre: Elizabethan Theatre and contemporary theatre. Besides, it concentrates on the critical and methodological tools for analyzing dramatic texts as well as their productions.
A is dedicated to William Shakespeare's theatre and its relevance to the present day. In particular, it focuses on the analysis of "Romeo and Juliet" and recent productions. Cinema adaptations are also taken into consideration.
B is dedicated to some plays written in the last thirty years and revolving around the world of the visual arts. In particular, it focuses on the representation on stage of museums (and art galleries) and discusses the role of art and artists in contemporary British society.
C focuses on some of the key plays of the 1990s.
- Students who wish to acquire 6 CFU should study two modules. If students wish to acquire 9 CFU they should study all three modules.
- The programme is valid until September 2024.
- The website of the course is online on the Ariel platform (http://ariel.unimi.it): students will be able to download slides and other materials. Critical essays on general questions or on specific texts will be available. The website also contains general information on the course.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is taught in Italian, but the bibliography and teaching materials are almost entirely in English, so students need to have a good knowledge of the language.
Teaching methods
The course employs the following teaching methods: lectures include close reading and analysis of the plays; lectures of professionals (playwrights, directors, actors, etc.). Students also watch video material and attend theatre performances.
Students are encouraged to actively participate in textual analysis and to comment critically on the videos.
Students are also encouraged to read aloud/to watch some scenes from the play and critically comment on them.
Students are encouraged to actively participate in textual analysis and to comment critically on the videos.
Students are also encouraged to read aloud/to watch some scenes from the play and critically comment on them.
Teaching Resources
A
___W. Shakespeare, "Romeo and Juliet", The New Cambridge Shakespeare, Cambridge UP, Cambridge, 2003.
Gli studenti non anglisti possono utilizzare la versione con testo a fronte curata da S. Bigliazzi per Einaudi (2014).
B.
__ Timberlake Wertenbaker, "Three Birds Alighting on a Field", Faber and Faber, London, 1992
__ Lee Hall, "The Pitmen Painters", Faber and Faber, London, 2008
__ Mark Ravenhill, "Pool (no water)", in "Mark Ravenhill. Plays 2", Bloomsbury, London, 2008
__ Breach, "It's True, It's True, It's True", Oberon Books, London, 2018
C.
__ Philip Ridley, "The Pitchfork Disney" (1991), Bloomsbury, London, 2015
__ Patrick Marber, "Closer" (1997), Bloomsbury, London, 2007
__ Martin Crimp, "Attempts on Her Life", Faber and Faber, London, 2007
___W. Shakespeare, "Romeo and Juliet", The New Cambridge Shakespeare, Cambridge UP, Cambridge, 2003.
Gli studenti non anglisti possono utilizzare la versione con testo a fronte curata da S. Bigliazzi per Einaudi (2014).
B.
__ Timberlake Wertenbaker, "Three Birds Alighting on a Field", Faber and Faber, London, 1992
__ Lee Hall, "The Pitmen Painters", Faber and Faber, London, 2008
__ Mark Ravenhill, "Pool (no water)", in "Mark Ravenhill. Plays 2", Bloomsbury, London, 2008
__ Breach, "It's True, It's True, It's True", Oberon Books, London, 2018
C.
__ Philip Ridley, "The Pitchfork Disney" (1991), Bloomsbury, London, 2015
__ Patrick Marber, "Closer" (1997), Bloomsbury, London, 2007
__ Martin Crimp, "Attempts on Her Life", Faber and Faber, London, 2007
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam aims to assess whether the candidate is able to contextualise the plays in the specific historical, social and cultural background to which they belong, as well as assess the student's ability to critically evaluate the plays in the programme. Questions aim to evaluate the student's ability to deploy critical terms and to engage with the critical works in the programme.
The various questions and discussions are all part of the evaluation.
Incoming international and Erasmus students are asked to contact the teacher as soon as possible.
Disabled students and those with learning difficulties should discuss the exam with the teachers, together with the appropriate University Office.
The final mark (30 e lode maximum and 18 minimum, a pass) may be accepted or rejected by the student. If a student rejects the mark, her or his exam will be registered as 'ritirato'.
The various questions and discussions are all part of the evaluation.
Incoming international and Erasmus students are asked to contact the teacher as soon as possible.
Disabled students and those with learning difficulties should discuss the exam with the teachers, together with the appropriate University Office.
The final mark (30 e lode maximum and 18 minimum, a pass) may be accepted or rejected by the student. If a student rejects the mark, her or his exam will be registered as 'ritirato'.
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-LIN/10 - ENGLISH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
28/3, 11.30am; 4/4, 11.30. Teams: i2vrlh3.
Teams