Spanish Theatre
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
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.
Expected learning outcomes
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.
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 is divided into three units.
The first unit is devoted to José Sanchis Sinisterra, one of the most important playwrights and theorists of contemporary Spanish theatre. He is particularly relevant for themes like the historical memory, the reflection on the value of language, and the hybridisation with other literary genres. The reading list includes 'Terror y miseria del primer franquismo' (1979-...), '¡Ay, Carmela!' (1987), 'Naufragios de Álvar Núñez' (1992) and 'El lector por horas' (2001).
In the second unit, we will examine some examples of recent Spanish works that coincide, at least in part, with Sanchis Sinisterra's theatre, especially the theme of trauma and of individual and collective memory, linked to important historical events or to figures of considerable cultural importance, but also to family and private contexts. The reading list includes 'Las bicicletas son para el verano' by Fernando Fernán Gómez (1977), 'La tierra' by José Ramón Fernández (1998), 'NN12' by Gracia Morales (2008), 'Los días de la nieve' by Alberto Conejero (2017), and 'Música para Hitler' by Yolanda García Serrano and Juan Carlos Rubio (2021).
The third unit is devoted to Cuban theatre, featuring three emblematic plays from the so-called revolutionary transition period: 'Aire frío' by Virgilio Piñeira (1959), 'Réquiem por Yarini' by Carlos Felipe (1965) and 'El macho y el guanajo' by José Soler Puig (1964). The first is a reflection on Cuban society in the 1950s; the second has an habanera setting but presents different echoes, ranging from Brecht ('The Threepenny Opera') to classical myths (Orpheus and Eurydice); the third is a contemporary farce with ties to the tradition of the comic theatre of the late 19th century, and focuses on the issue of race and Cuban transculturalism.
Whenever possible, the readings will be accompanied by the viewing of stagings of the plays.
Students who want to acquire 6 credits will freely choose two units of the programme; students who want to acquire 9 credits will stick to the full three-unit programme.
The course is valid until September 2025. From December 2025, it will be possible to prepare only the 2025-26 syllabus.
The first unit is devoted to José Sanchis Sinisterra, one of the most important playwrights and theorists of contemporary Spanish theatre. He is particularly relevant for themes like the historical memory, the reflection on the value of language, and the hybridisation with other literary genres. The reading list includes 'Terror y miseria del primer franquismo' (1979-...), '¡Ay, Carmela!' (1987), 'Naufragios de Álvar Núñez' (1992) and 'El lector por horas' (2001).
In the second unit, we will examine some examples of recent Spanish works that coincide, at least in part, with Sanchis Sinisterra's theatre, especially the theme of trauma and of individual and collective memory, linked to important historical events or to figures of considerable cultural importance, but also to family and private contexts. The reading list includes 'Las bicicletas son para el verano' by Fernando Fernán Gómez (1977), 'La tierra' by José Ramón Fernández (1998), 'NN12' by Gracia Morales (2008), 'Los días de la nieve' by Alberto Conejero (2017), and 'Música para Hitler' by Yolanda García Serrano and Juan Carlos Rubio (2021).
The third unit is devoted to Cuban theatre, featuring three emblematic plays from the so-called revolutionary transition period: 'Aire frío' by Virgilio Piñeira (1959), 'Réquiem por Yarini' by Carlos Felipe (1965) and 'El macho y el guanajo' by José Soler Puig (1964). The first is a reflection on Cuban society in the 1950s; the second has an habanera setting but presents different echoes, ranging from Brecht ('The Threepenny Opera') to classical myths (Orpheus and Eurydice); the third is a contemporary farce with ties to the tradition of the comic theatre of the late 19th century, and focuses on the issue of race and Cuban transculturalism.
Whenever possible, the readings will be accompanied by the viewing of stagings of the plays.
Students who want to acquire 6 credits will freely choose two units of the programme; students who want to acquire 9 credits will stick to the full three-unit programme.
The course is valid until September 2025. From December 2025, it will be possible to prepare only the 2025-26 syllabus.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is held entirely in Spanish, and the bibliography requires solid linguistic competence. Students of programmes other than Foreign Languages and Literatures that are beginners or not proficient in Spanish are not guaranteed the availability of Italian translations. If possible, they are kindly invited to check with the teacher in advance to adjust the syllabus and the bibliography. Incoming students (Erasmus+ or other forms of mobility) are allowed to take the course, provided they have solid linguistic competence in Spanish.
Teaching methods
The course adopts the following teaching methods: lectures with slides; close reading of selected scenes from the works studied; discussion on videoclips, stage photographs, and documentaries.
Teaching Resources
Since the works in the syllabus are not always easy to acquire, please refer to the MyAriel webpage for specific information. Some of the texts will be made available in digital format.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of an interview with the lecturers (according to the parts of the course they taught), analysis and commentary of one or more excerpts from the works in the syllabus. The duration of the interview varies according to the number of credits the student is applying for. The examination is compulsorily in Spanish for Master students and preferably in Spanish for B.A. students. Students from other programmes will choose between Italian and Spanish. The interview verifies the knowledge of the texts, the ability to contextualise authors and works, the quality of the oral expression, the precision in the use of specific terminology, and the ability to reflect on the themes proposed. Finally, it will take into account language skills, if carried out in Spanish. The final grade is expressed on a scale of 30, and the student may reject it.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the lecturer in advance. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or DSA must be agreed with the lecturer, in accordance with the relevant office.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the lecturer in advance. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or DSA must be agreed with the lecturer, in accordance with the relevant office.
Unita' didattica A
L-LIN/05 - SPANISH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-LIN/05 - SPANISH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-LIN/05 - SPANISH LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
It is possible to meet the teacher both in person and throught Teams; students should schedule an appointment .in advance via e-mail.
Office hours: the teacher room is located in Piazza S. Alessandro 1, first floor, Iberistica (stairs to the second floor). Remote calls: Teams (access code: 0tjneag).