Spanish Theatre

The course aims at introducing the study of the wide dramatic corpus in Spanish language, with a focus on a specific and ever changing period; when possible, a series of classes will be devoted to Latin American theatre. The course is a useful companion to the basic formation in literary studies both for specialist of Spanish and Latin American literature. For students at M.A.level it is possible to take it twice, thus centering on several periods; this option is highly recommended for students graduating in the field. Apart from studying the evolution of the dramatic genre in a given period, the course offers an overview of drama fundamentals, such as staging, difference between scenic and dramatic space, the commercial dimension of playwriting. The basic terminology of theatre studies is presented, and a few videoclips of significant plays are discusseed in class. During the year, students are strongly encouraged to go to theatre, even if scheduled works are not fully related to the contents of the course.

Knowledge and understanding: students will know the evolution of Spanish drama history in the period analysed during the course; they will have read some of the most significant dramatic works of the period considered. Applying knowledge and understanding: students will be able to position correctly authors, works and movements or schools in the period considered; they will be able to compare dramatic texts and to recognise similarities and differences among them, pointing out the most significant features of every one; they will be able to use the basic terminology of theatre studies; they will connect plays with their historic and social context, and will be able to analyse different strategies of staging and directing; they will develop a sensibility for the ethic values of drama and their impact on audience and readers.