History of Theatre and Performing Arts

A.Y. 2024/2025
9
Max ECTS
60
Overall hours
SSD
L-ART/05
Language
Italian
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
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): Historical elements of Western Theatre from antiquity to twentieth century
Part B (20 hours - 3 cfu): Historical elements of Western Theatre in the twentieth century
Part C (20 hours - 3 cfu): The origins and development of theatre direction in Italy
The course aims to provide an overview with adequate insights on the history of the theatre in Europe from ancient Greece up to the twentieth century, focusing not only on playwriting, but analysing the evolution of the space, the impact of actors, directors, designers, companies and organisation in the process of theatre-making. The second unit focuses on methods and tools of analysis of playwriting acting for the stage during the twentieth century. The third unit deals with the evolution of the Italian contemporary direction theatre, with particular reference to some significant events, staged in Milanese theatres.
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 A to D.
Teaching methods
The course aims to provide knowledge about the main issues related to the history of theater, its tools of investigation and their application in different areas (dramaturgy, performance, organization, set design). The lectures aim to develop analytical and critical skills and abilities, in terms of analysis of the dramatic text and performance.
During the course, attending students will have the opportunity to attend a number of performances scheduled in Milan theaters.
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. Scene and performance in the West, Milan, Pearson, 2020.
Part C
The lecture notes of Unit C
M. Cambiaghi, A. Egidio, I. Innamorati, A. Sapienza, Storia del teatro. Scene and performance in the West, Milan, Pearson, 2020.

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,

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) Claudio Vicentini, Storia della recitazione teatrale. Dal mondo antico alla scena digitale, Marsilio, Venice, 2023, whole book.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of a written test designed to test knowledge of the history of theater and the in-depth bibliography included in the exam syllabus, with emphasis on argumentative ability and terminological competence in the discipline. Directions on the written test will be given exclusively in the classroom during lectures. This syllabus is valid from the first exam call until the end of the scheduled exam calls for A.Y. 2024-2025. International or Erasmus incoming students are urged to make timely contact with the course instructor. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or DSA should be arranged with the professor in consultation with the appropriate office.
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)

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 50 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
volume in progress.
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) M. Cambiaghi- R. De Berti, L'ambrosiana pura. Dina Galli attrice di teatro, cinema e radio, Milano, Mimesis, 2023, pp. 1-202.



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) volume in progress.
4) M. Cambiaghi- R. De Berti, L'ambrosiana pura. Dina Galli attrice di teatro, cinema e radio, Milano, Mimesis, 2023, pp. 1-202.
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.
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): SET DESIGN: female scenography from the avant-garde to today
Part C (20 hours - 3 credits): The theatrical thought of Fernando Mastropasqua: Greek masks, the Commedia dell'Arte, Craig, and Brecht.

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 theater set designers starting from the monograph SCENOGRAFE (Dino Audino editore) with multimedia, in-depth paths;
Section C includes an in-depth study on the thought and critical methodology of the theater scholars Fernando Mastropasqua e Ferdinando Falossi, with lessons dedicated to specific chapters of his research: the Greek mask, the iconography of the Commedia dell'Arte, Brecht's theatre, Gordon Craig.
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.
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
Bibliografia per Studenti frequentanti
Per 6 cfu: preparare le parti A e B
Per 9 cfu: preparare le parti A, B e C
Parte A
Gli appunti delle lezioni dell'unità A
Cambiaghi, INnamorati, Storia del teatro, Pearson edizioni; Per gli apparati iconografici citati nel manuale e per una maggior comprensione, si consiglia di consultare il libro di Stefano Mazzoni Spazi e forme dello spettacolo in Occidente dal mondo antico a Wagner. Atlante iconografico (Titivillus). Consultabile in biblioteca. Si ricorda che i testi drammaturgici citati a lezione per la parte A- per una maggior comprensione del corso, vanno letti integralmente e sono facilmente recuperabili in biblioteca.
Parte B
Gli appunti delle lezioni dell'unità B
Monteverdi Scenografe. La storia delle scenografe dalle avanguardie a oggi (Dino Audino 2022);.
SI richiede di consultare le schede su Margherita Palli e Es Devlin dal sito Peroni (ditta di scenotecnica).
Parte C. F. Mastropasqua La strana pietà del sig. Bertolt Brecht (Prinp editore) . A lezioni verranno date le dispense Per la sezione sul pensiero teatrale di Fernando Mastropasqua e Ferdinando Falossi si propone un percorso che va a delineare i capitoli più importanti della ricerca dello studioso a partire dalla maschera greca fino a Craig e a Brecht.


Bibliografia per studenti non frequentanti
Programma d'esame da 6 cfu per studenti non frequentanti:
Parte A
Cambiaghi I. Innamorati, Storia del teatro, PEARSON edizioni; Concetta D'Angeli, Forme della drammaturgia, ETS PISA. SONO DA PORTARE ENTRAMBI I VOLUMI.
Da aggiungere come integrazione del manuale, la lettura dei seguenti testi:
Una tragedia e una commedia greca; La locandiera di Goldoni; il Misantropo di Moliere; Il mercante di Venezia di Shakespeare; Il gabbiano o Zio Vanja di Cechov; Il giuoco delle parti di PIrandello; Finale di Partita di Beckett. I testi vanno analizzati seguendo le strutture formali drammaturgiche rilevate dalla D'Angeli nel volume in programma.

Parte B
Monteverdi Scenografe. La storia delle scenografe dalle avanguardie a oggi (Dino Audino 2022);. ed inoltre gli articoli scaricabili sul web in Open Access A.Monteverdi Due scenografe per Beckett (Culture teatrali.it) e: MOnteverdi Jocelyn Herbert e Tony Harrison: parola, scena e maschera nell'Orestea (1981) in Acme
Parte C Brecht Madre Coraggio e i suoi figli , F. Mastropasqua, La strana pietà del Signor Bertolt Brecht (Prinp editore:); e F. Mastropasqua, Un Teatro di pezzenti; vaghi pensieri sulla Commedia dell'Arte (Prinp editore).
Dispense che saranno disponibili su ARIEL.
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.
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