28147 - History of Acting (1) (2nd cycle)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the Course the student will have acquired knowledge about the theory and practice of the art of acting in history, particularly in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and in the contemporary world; - skills for the study and analysis of both reciting and performing modes of past and present; - methodological tools for reading the sources also from the point of view of the gender.

Course contents

FUNDAMENTALS OF A HISTORY OF THE FIGURE OF THE ACTOR

TOWARDS A HISTORY OF THE FIGURE OF THE ACTRESS IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY

In the general section we will address the theoretical-methodological problems relative to a study of Italian actors, from the beginnings of professionalism with the Commedia dell’Arte to the end of the twentieth century, looking at how ideas, techniques, theories and acting styles evolved, and analysing the material aspects of stagecraft and the ‘microsociety’ of actors.

We will focus on the 1800s, the century that saw the advent of Romantic theatre, of the figure of the ‘Great Actor’ and finally of the industrialization of spectacle, when actresses and female actor-managers reached maximum importance. In particular, we will look closely at the major actresses of the time: Carlotta Marchionni, Adelaide Ristori, Giacinta Pezzana and, particularly, Eleonora Duse.

Course begins April 3, 2024

Timetable: Wednesdays , Thursdays, Fridays 15-17h (Aula Donatoni)

Readings/Bibliography

Mirella Schino, Eleonora Duse. Storia e immagini di una rivoluzione teatrale, Carocci, Roma 2023

 

For the first part of the course, the four essays you can find online at the sites of the respective journals:

Laura Mariani, L’Ottocento delle attrici, “Acting Archives Review”, n. 14, novembre 2017;

Laura Mariani, Sull’utilità della Storia delle donne per rileggere il protagonismo di Adelaide Ristori, “Drammaturgia”, n. 10, 2023;

Claudio Meldolesi, L’attore, le sue fonti e i suoi orizzonti, “Teatro e Storia”, n. 7, ottobre 1989;

Ferdinando Taviani, Il teatro romantico degli italiani, “Teatro e Storia”, n. 44, 2023.

And, also, Laura Mariani, introduction of L'attrice del cuore. Storia di Giacinta Pezzana attraverso le lettere, Le Lettere, 2005 (which I send by email upon request).

Non-attendees should study the entry Attore by Gerardo Guerrieri in Enciclopedia dello spettacolo, which they can find in the library of the Arts Department on Galliera Street.

 

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars, particularly about finding and reading various source texts. Formation of working groups. In-house projection of films and video recordings, meeting artists.

Assessment methods

The final oral exam will assess the basic knowledge of the subject from a historical, theoretical and methodological point of view. The ability to analyze the performance of an actor starting from images, texts and live experiences will be verified and participation in group work and possible papers produced will also be evaluated.

Teaching tools

These include face-to-face lessons accompanied by audiovisual materials, working groups, meetings with artists and watching performances.

Office hours

See the website of Anna Laura Mariani