13197 - Entertainment Criticism and Methodology (1)

Learning outcomes

The course examines the ways in which theatrical criticism analyses contemporary performances. It provides investigative tools and guidance between different methodologies.

Course contents

1. The method:

1.1 What is theatrical criticism. 1.2 The observation, the analysis, the writing, the judgment. 1.3 Journalism and criticism.

2. Visions of the contemporary performance

2.1 The “New Theatre” and the contemporary entertainment. 2.2 Objects, definitions, border violations. 2.3 Materials and documents.

3. To write the movement of the contemporary theatre

3.1 Video and documents. 3.2 Observation of a performance. 3.3 Exercises of writing.

Readings/Bibliography

Required readings:

1. Massimo Marino, Lo sguardo che racconta. Un laboratorio di critica teatrale, Roma, Carocci, 2004.

2. One of the followings texts:

Roberto De Monticelli, L'attore, Garzanti, Milano 1988; Stefania Chinzari–Paolo Ruffini, Nuova scena italiana, Castelvecchi, Roma 2000; Hans-Thies Lehmann, Postdramatisches Theater, Verlag der Autoren, Frankfurt 1999 (esiste anche l'edizione francese, Le Théâtre postdramatique, L'Arche, Parigi 2002, e quella inglese,  Posdramatic Theatre, Routledge, Abington, Oxon 2003); Lorenzo Mango, La scrittura scenica, Bulzoni, Roma 2003; Giuseppe Bartolucci, Testi critici 1964-1987, Bulzoni, Roma 2007.

3. A monography about an artist or a moment of the contemporary theatre. A specific bibliography will be indicated during the seminary and published on line on the case of the professor.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons, work about documents, vision of video and performances, exercises of observation and writing.

Assessment methods

Student's knowledge and skills will be assessed through coursework, including the individual and group projects, in-class discussion on the performances seen and the written assignments produced. Students will be tested through an oral examination based on the readings and on the student portfolio of the texts written during the course. Those who cannot attend classes shall agree their program with the professor.

 

Teaching tools

Video, dvd, documents, internet.

Office hours

See the website of Massimo Marino