Learning outcomes

An introduction to the theoretical and methodological instruments offered by performing arts, through the analysis of specific issues of the history of theatre.

Program

The manifold actor and the importance of symbolic spatiality in dramatic literature will be the main themes of the course. Gabriele D'Annunzio created for the art of Eleonora Duse quite a few characters, like “Anna the Blind” in La città morta or “The Demented” in Sogno di un mattino di primavera; characters that intertwine a visionary and hopelessly attractive connection with Nature, only because their “eloquent body” is able to translate the deepest meaning of the universe. On the other end, Joost van den Vondel writes a text of capital importance for the Dutch seventeenth century. This tragedy was conceived for the inauguration of the first theatre build in stone in Amsterdam (1637) and from that moment on it was staged once a year until the renewal of the dramatic repertoire in 1968. Of this tradition, recently revived, we will analyze the particular edition that the company Het Toneel Speelt presented on 2012 in Stadsschouwburg in Amsterdam.

Teaching methods: Lectures and analysis of primary and secondary sources such as archival fonts, iconography, performance recordings, films, videos, audio recordings, etc.

Examination Methods

Oral exam.