89978 - History of the New Theatre

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the student: knows the main artistic experiences that characterize the history of the New Theatre since the second half of the 20th century, also through video evidence; is able to identify the historical fundamentals and master the theoretical-methodological aspects; matures skills about the different forms of live performance, the analysis of expressive languages, economic and organizational models, social and cultural contexts of reference; learns how to critically organize bibliographic and documentary materials; knows how to analyze and comment on a spectacular text in relation to context, creative process, scenic writing.

Course contents

Module 1 (6 CFU): “New Theatre,” a historically grounded critical label.

The first module of the course historically traces the definition of “New Theatre” and the main international artistic experiences that, since the second half of the twentieth century, have contributed to the broad and articulate rethinking of expressive forms and organizational and professional practices, marking a transformation from the past on the production, dramaturgical and receptive levels. Particular attention will be given to the critical analysis of some performances by Living Theatre, Grotowski, Barba and Brook in relation to their theoretical texts.

Module 2 (6 CFU): New Theatre in Italy between research, participation and community.

The second module of the course focuses on the history of New Theatre in Italy through three key words that constitute deeply interconnected perspectives of analysis: research, participation and community. The main methodological elements of reading live performance will be introduced: construction and analysis of sources, visual documentation, non-fiction and other cultural materials useful for investigation. This methodology will be applied to the analysis of some contemporary theatrical experiences as case studies through the establishment of working groups.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Readings/Bibliography

Examination program for attending students:

1. F. Perrelli, I maestri della ricerca teatrale. Il Living, Grotowski, Barba e Brook, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2007.

2. F. Perrelli, Gli spettacoli di Odino. La storia di Eugenio Barba e dell’Odin Teatret, Bari, Pagina, 2005.

3. D. Visone, La nascita del nuovo teatro in Italia 1959-1967, Corazzano, Titivillus, 2010.

4. Learning materials pubblished on Virtuale.

Examination program for non-attending students.

Non-attending students will also read the following texts:

• A. Rossi Ghiglione, R. M. Fabris, A. Pagliarino, Caravan Next. A Social Community Theatre Project. Methodology, Evaluation and Analysis, Milano, Franco Angeli, 2019. Open Access: http://ojs.francoangeli.it/_omp/index.php/oa/catalog/book/394
• C. Pedullà, Il teatro partecipativo. Paradigmi ed esperienze, Corazzano, Titivillus, 2021.

Teaching methods

Lectures are face-to-face and consist of phases of explanation, appreciation of audiovisual materials, readings of theoretical and critical texts, questions, discussion and group work. Meetings with artists and scholars are scheduled. Viewings of performances in city theaters form an integral part of the course.

Assessment methods

The student's achievement of an organic view of the topics covered in class together with their critical use, a good command of expression and specific language will be evaluated with grades of excellence.
A mnemonic knowledge of the subject matter together with synthesis and analysis skills articulated in correct but not always appropriate language will lead to fair grades.
Formative gaps and/or inappropriate language - albeit in the context of minimal knowledge of the examination material - will lead to grades that do not exceed sufficiency.
Formative gaps, inappropriate language, lack of orientation within the bibliographic materials offered during the course will be negatively graded.

Students with DSA or temporary or permanent disabilities: it is advisable to contact the University office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) in good time: it will be its task to propose any adjustments to the students concerned, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance for approval by the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of such adjustments in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Slides, viewing audiovisual materials, web sources, learning materials on Virtual, TEAMS Platform, meetings with artists and scholars.

Office hours

See the website of Rita Maria Fabris