B8686 - Methods of Theatrological and Choreographic Research (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - possesses a framework of research methods in the field of theatre and choreography; - acquires the methodological tools to analyse phenomena and theories falling within the field of performing arts disciplines. This knowledge provides the student with: - useful skills to set up a research on the different stage coefficients and dramaturgy, on theatrical and choreographic performances, on different periods and contexts in the theatrical and choreographic field, on the theories of theatre and dance, on the constants and variations between two or more phenomena or between two or more theories in the field of reference, according to scientific criteria.

Course contents

The course will begin with an overview of theories relating to the problem of knowledge and how humans acquire it. It will then examine research methods in theatre and dance.

It will then examine historical-critical methodology in more depth, focusing particularly on the debate surrounding the emergence of the directing phenomenon. The course will also explore a method of analysing 19th and 20th century directing events to develop the ability to critically decode a production.

The course will also examine the direction of dance and theatrical performances, demonstrating the similarities and differences between the two genres.

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students:

• Lecture notes.
• Caterina Piccione, Introduzione, and Marzia Pieri, «Come resta il teatro, quando resta?». Le fonti testuali, in From Fragments to Form, edited by Caterina Piccione and Marco Argentina, Bologna, Alma Diamond, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 2025, pp. I-II e 1-7.
• Carlo Ginzburg, Radici di un paradigma indiziario, in Ginzburg, Miti emblemi spie. Morfologia e storia, Torino, Einaudi, 2000, pp. 157-201.
• Elena Randi, I primordi della regia. Nei cantieri teatrali di Hugo, Vigny, Dumas, Bari, edizioni di Pagina, 2009.
• Elena Randi, Protagonisti della danza del XX secolo. Poetiche ed eventi scenici, Roma, Carocci, 2014.

We also recommend: Karl R. Popper, Breviario, a cura di Massimo Baldini, Milano, Rusconi, 1998.

For those lacking an adequate knowledge of the history of directing, we recommend studying at least one of the following volumes:

• Umberto Artioli (a cura di), Il teatro di regia: genesi ed evoluzione (1870-1950), Roma, Carocci, 2004.
• Giovanna Zanlonghi, La regia teatrale nel secondo Novecento. Utopie, forme e pratiche, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
• Roberto Alonge, Il teatro dei registi. Scopritori di enigmi e poeti della scena, Roma-Bari, Laterza, 2006.
• Lorenzo Mango, Il Novecento del teatro. Una storia, Roma, Carocci, 2019.

For further analysis of the performance, we recommend:

• Anne Ubersfeld, Leggere lo spettacolo, Roma, Carocci, 2008.
  

Non-attending students:

In lieu of lecture notes, non-attending students are required to study:

• Anne Ubersfeld, Leggere lo spettacolo, Roma, Carocci, 2008

and, in addition, all publications recommended for attending students.

Teaching methods

Teaching includes lectures and discussions with students.

Assessment methods

The level of learning will be assessed through an oral exam that will focus on the topics covered during the course and the texts indicated in the exam syllabus.

Achieving a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered, mastering expressive skills and specific language, as well as familiarity with the tools of theatrical and dance methodology and the analysis of directorial performances will be assessed with excellent marks. A predominantly rote or rote knowledge of the subject matter, an incomplete ability to summarize and analyze, or correct but inappropriate language will result in a fair grade. Occasional gaps in mastery of the subject matter, poor ability to summarize and analyze, and inappropriate language will result in a passing grade. Significant gaps in learning, inappropriate language, and an inability to master theatrical and dance methodology and analyze directorial performances will result in a failing grade.

Students with learning disabilities (LD) or temporary or permanent disabilities: please contact the relevant University office promptly (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). They will be responsible for suggesting any accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval 15 days in advance, who will evaluate their suitability, also taking into account the course's learning objectives.

Teaching tools

Viewing videos and illustrations, reading text sources; if possible, watching performance rehearsals and listening to oral histories of actors and dancers, directors and choreographers, playwrights, and composers.

Office hours

See the website of Elena Randi