36
Performing Arts
UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI "L'ORIENTALE"
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
At the end of the lessons and study the student should have acquired: 1. A knowledge of the theater of the twentieth century in its various aspects 2. The ability to understand, through the instrument of the theater, issues related to the twentieth century as a century characterized by a profound redefinition of artistic codes 3. The ability to analyze the relationship between staging and dramatic text 4. The ability to master artistic and linguistic issues related the linguistic revolution of 20th century theatre 5. The ability to understand in depth the main theoretical elements related to the twentieth century theatrical revolution 6. Since this course is intended for students in Master’s degree programmes, the ability to build their own analytical discourse on the basis of study materials, whether linked to the primary bibliography, is considered fundamental (dramatic texts, performances, theoretical texts) and secondary texts (critical essays). It is also considered of great importance the ability to establish its own argumentative link between different phenomena and be able to relate strictly theatrical themes with others of a more general cultural nature.
7. We also expect a mature critical understanding of the texts studied so as to obtain not only the necessary information but also to grasp the historiographical and methodological approach. 8. Given the masterly nature of the course of study, a fully active dimension in the study process is considered indispensable, with the ability to build a discourse that combines the knowledge acquired within the course with those deriving from other disciplinary fields.
Course Prerequisites
Is expected a good knowledge of history, cultural and literary history, and a suitably mature approach to study.
he general knowledge of the history of the theater is not taken for granted and we will try to compensate for the possible lack during the course with information deemed indispensable
Teaching Methods
The course is basically developed through lectures, using, where necessary, visual and audiovisual materials. During the lessons, students will be invited to provide them with points of view on some of the issues dealt with and will be asked to discuss specific topics to create a dialectical learning path through which to be in an active position in the process of knowledge acquisition. Special attention is given to the students' ability to analyze the spectacle.
Assessment Methods
The exam will be oral. During the exam the student will have to demonstrate mastery of the theoretical historical notions and ability to critically, independently and organically organize the topics, also making use of iconographic materials and dramatic and theoretical texts studied, which may, indeed, must be consulted to support the argument.
The examination program has a biennial value: it can be taken from the examination sessions of 2025-26 to all the exam appeals of a.a. 2026-27 .
Language of the exam: Italian
Evaluation criteria: Consistency in exposure, ability to contextualize history, ability to analyze the theoretical and operational data, completeness and breadth of information, mastery in the use of terminology, both as regards the technical and the linguistic heritage of Italian.
Texts
Lorenzo Mango, Il Novecento del teatro. Una storia, Carocci
Mimma Valentino, Il nuovo teatro in Italia 1976-1985, Titivillus
Lorenzo Mango, Federico Tiezzi. Storia di un regista di teatro, Carocci
During the academic year, the student, to be able to support
the exam, is required to attend at least two live shows
(excluding, therefore, videos and video-recorded works), which can
be freely chosen according to the taste and individual possibilities. On
Chosen shows the student will need to be able to briefly report
the examination, indicating the distinguishing features of the endorsement,
regarding stage layout, acting, organization
of the dramatic tale.
Contents
Title: Directing Theatre: The Stage as Writing from the Late 20th to the Early 21st Century
The course examines the dynamics that have shaped and continue to shape theatre directing. The development, throughout the 20th century, of the concept of scenic writing—that is, a language grounded in the operative practice of stage action rather than in the dramatic text—has called into question the very idea of theatre and its codes. The course aims to study how this process unfolded in the final decades of the last century and the early years of the current one.
Some of the most significant phenomena of both periods will be analysed, with a focus on how they explore the relationship between staging, performative dimension, and dramatic text. Within this process, directing plays a fundamental role, redefining its functions and taking on new and original forms.
Several case studies will be addressed, with particular attention devoted to Federico Tiezzi—one of the most important directors in contemporary theatre—whose work clearly reveals a dialectic between the experimental and avant-garde practices of his early career and his current approach, which is more oriented toward interpreting texts. Nevertheless, scenic writing remains central to both phases of his work.
The course ultimately seeks to highlight the 20th-century elements that still serve as key reference points today. CFU 9
Course Language
Italian
More information
During the course, video materials of the performances will be shown. Viewing these recordings greatly facilitates and enriches the study of the course textbooks. Attendance is therefore strongly recommended.