OVERVIEW

The course offers a specialized approach to Italian theatrical literature, addressing it through theoretical issues and text readings from a historical perspective spanning from the 15th to the 20th century.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To analyse Italian literature themes and issues in its relations with theatre and performance in terms of both the production of dramaturgic texts as well as texts (news stories, autobiographical writings, letters etc) that can contribute to the knowledge of the history of performance.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify and recognize the specific features of dramatic texts across their historical development;

• Identify, name, and distinguish genres, forms, and components (dialogues, monologues, soliloquies, etc.) of dramatic texts;

• Apply acquired knowledge in original work such as open books, reports, and analytical sheets;

• Understand and map theatrical literature through specific research perspectives.

PREREQUISITES

To have a thorough knowledge (at three-year literature level) of the history of Italian literature.

To possess the ability to critically analyse, interpret and contextualise literary texts,

Being able to expound, with clarity and ownership of critical language.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, in-class commented readings, and participatory sessions.
The lecturer encourages lesson recordings, provided that students manage them and make them available to everyone via a Teams channel created by the lecturer.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

rogram for students taking the 6 CFU (credits) version:

1. Analysis of the dramatic text:
   The theatrical book, textual organization, and dramatic language (12 hours).
   A complete dramatic text will be selected and read to examine the specific features of theatrical language and the structure of the theatrical book.

2. Modern Laughter:
   A theoretical and practical journey through comic theatre from the 17th century to Goldoni (24 hours).
   The course begins with 16th–17th-century theories of the comic and examines key texts of the genre, including influences from Spanish and French comedy, leading to Carlo Goldoni.

3. Writing for the Theatre in the 2000s:
   A contemporary module in which students taking the 6 CFU version will select one text from those proposed.

Program for students taking the 9 CFU version:

1. Analysis of the dramatic text:
   The theatrical book, textual organization, and dramatic language (12 hours).
   A complete dramatic text will be selected and read to examine the specific features of theatrical language and the structure of the theatrical book.

2. Modern Laughter:
   A theoretical and practical journey through comic theatre from the 17th century to Goldoni (24 hours).
   As above, beginning with theories of the comic and examining key texts through Goldoni.

3. Writing for the Theatre in the 2000s:
   A contemporary path through 21st-century playwriting: what are its forms? What themes? Text selection will be proposed during lessons, beginning with the works of Vitaliano Trevisan.

4. PROGRAM FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS Students unable to attend can follow the course via audio recordings of the lessons and by closely following the materials and instructions provided on AulaWeb.Those wishing to follow a different program are requested to contact the lecturer after the course begins (February 2026).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Required readings for all students:

1. S. Morando, La letteratura teatrale italiana. Il testo drammatico e la sua storia dal Medioevo al Novecento, Rome, Carocci, 2023.
   A theatrical text will be indicated for complete reading.

2. A selection of essays and texts available on AulaWeb.

3. A selection of essays and texts on AulaWeb. Starting point:
   S. Fortin, "L'impeccabile solitudine del palcoscenico". La drammaturgia di Vitaliano Trevisan, Rome, Carocci, 2025.

Program for non-attending students:
AulaWeb will be structured as a detailed course synopsis divided by topics and including all required texts. The program content will not differ for non-attending students, who are nonetheless invited to contact the lecturer for any additional recommended readings.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The first available week of February 2026.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will follow an evaluation grid agreed upon during the course.

• Part 1: Identification of specific features of dramatic texts based on the first part of the course textbook, through analysis of a selected passage from the assigned play.

• Part 2: One or two oral questions (depending on prior agreement) on theories and texts related to the comic, as well as relevant textbook sections (from the late 16th century to Goldoni).

• Part 3: One or two oral questions (depending on prior agreement) on contemporary dramatic texts and the essays discussed in class.

Part of the exam may be replaced by written work (open books, analysis sheets, reports).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Oral questions and reading of theatrical texts during the exam (students must bring the texts) will assess achievement of the objectives for parts 1, 2, and 3.
Any written work proposed will evaluate the objectives related to part 2.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information not included in this syllabus, students should contact the lecturer.