OVERVIEW

Using scenes that exemplify the execution and mechanics of ancient theatre - from Aeschylus to Seneca - which is the intermediary between Greek and modern tragedy, the course highlights archetypes, recurrences and the “continuum” of the history of western European theatre initiated by Greek and Latin drama. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowing the history and authors of Greek and Latin theatre and the twelve texts by authors from Aeschylus to Seneca in their Italian translation. Ability to read texts that were written for the stage as ‘scripts’. Elements of the evolution of the theatre building. Sufficient ability to identify the structure of a text, possible stage situation and to recognise and connect the placement of words in lines. Elements on the success and presence of Greek and Latin texts in the modern age.

(DETAILED) TEACHING OBJECTIVES

The aim of the course is to get students to read Greek and Latin texts and to perceive them as scripts for theatrical productions which are still possible and successful today. The exam focuses in particular on the tragedies and comedies indicated during the course and their success in the modern age

TEACHING METHODS

Sequences, characters and contemporary interpretations of chosen tragedies and comedies will be analysed by reading texts in Italian translation and with videos, DVDs and scenes taken from youtube and these will be part of the exam. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Ancient theatre history and authors

Madness scenes in ancient and modern theatre

Uccelli, Lisistrata e Rane by Aristophanes, an inverted tradition

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARGHERITA RUBINO (President)

CLAUDIO BEVEGNI

CATERINA MORDEGLIA

MARCO SALOTTI

LESSONS

Class schedule

ANCIENT THEATRE

EXAMS

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam is oral and focuses on texts in Italian translation. The following will be assessed: degree of knowledge of fundamental notions of theatre buildings, authors and Greek and Latin plays; proposal of a brief scene not necessarily from those indicated for the exam on which to develop and expound rapid critical impressions; reading of some verses to ascertain the ability to correctly situate them in the dramatic action of the text being examined.

Exam schedule