EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Knowledge of the main theatrical forms of contemporary China, including both modern spoken drama (huaju) and traditional theatre. Ability to analyse theatrical works of different kinds, including both dramatic texts and theatrical performances. Ability to discuss works from both an artistic and aesthetic perspective and in relation to their historical, social, and political contexts.
ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
The course aims to provide students with the knowledge and methodological tools necessary for the contextualisation, analysis, and critical understanding of Chinese theatrical works. In particular, the course is designed to develop an approach to theatre that integrates both textual and performative aspects. The course also aims to enhance students’ ability to formulate independent, critical, and original interpretations, applying these skills to the analysis, discussion, and translation of theatrical texts in Chinese, regardless of their theatrical form or the geographical and cultural context in which they were produced.
FURTHER EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Critical discussion skills: In the assessment, students are expected to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the formal, aesthetic, and performative characteristics of theatrical works, as well as of the historical, cultural, and political issues addressed in the course. They should also be able to critically analyse and interpret both dramatic texts and performance practices, situating them within their historical and cultural contexts and reflecting on different modes of representation and staging.
Independent bibliographic research skills: Ability to conduct independent bibliographic research through libraries and online databases. Knowledge of the main books, scholarly journals, and bibliographic resources useful for further research on contemporary Chinese theatre in its various forms and traditions.
Communication skills: Ability to develop, present, and support independent critical arguments using rigorous and appropriate language, both in the analysis of theatrical works and in the discussion of related historical, aesthetic, and performative issues, in English.
Students should have prior knowledge of Chinese history and be familiar with the key developments in modern Chinese literature.
The course will be conducted in English and will combine lectures, close textual analysis, and class discussions. Students are expected to regularly read - or watch - the assigned materials, actively participate in discussions, give presentations, and refine their ability to express critical judgment in English. The quality and consistency of each student’s participation in class discussions will constitute an integral part of the final assessment.
Chen Xiaomei (ed.), The Columbia Anthology of Modern Chinese Drama, New York: Columbia University Press, 2010.
Enza De Francisci & Shisheng Lyu (eds.), Theatre Translation in the Asian World: Exchanges and Adaptation, Special Issue of Journal of the Society for Asian Humanities, Vol. 55, 2024.
Anna Stecher & Valeria Varriano (eds.), “La commedia del Regno di Qin” di Li Jing, Naples: UniorPress, 2026.
Rossella Ferrari, Performance and Postsocialism in Postmillennial China, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2025.
Li Ruru, The Soul of Beijing Opera: Theatrical Creativity and Continuity in the Changing World, Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press, 2010.
Ashley Thorpe, Performing China on the London Stage: Chinese Opera and Global Power, 1759–2008, Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan, 2016.
