The course aims to sketch the history of the forms of theatrical performance from the late ancient period to the Renaissance. These will be analysed according to the theoretical, historical-political and philosophical-religious perspectives that have conditioned or fostered theatrical activity in the Middle Ages and in the Humanist period.
Students will be given a broad framework of the forms of performance and theatre present in the 6th-13th centuries with particular attention on games, sacred representations and troubadour performances as well as the profane comical theatre of the 12th-13th century. The rediscovery of Plautus and Terence and Seneca’s tragedies from the 14th and 15th centuries until the staging in the Ferrara festivals at the end of the 15th centuries will be illustrated. Forms and structures of new theatrical genres of comedies and humanist tragedies will be outlined.
Students will be given the critical tools necessary for the study and analysis of theatrical literature and performances produced in the period between the 6th and the 15th centuries.
Lectures with reading and commenting of a choice of theatrical texts and relative critical literature.
Programme for students taking the course for 6 cfu
History of Theatre in the Middle Ages and Humanism.
CLARA FOSSATI (President)
SANDRA ORIGONE
MARIA ROSARIA PUGLIARELLO
TEATRO MEDIEVAL AND HUMANISTIC
The exam will be oral and will assess knowledge of topics indicated in the programme.
Students who are unable to attend the course must get in contact with teaching staff.
