29020 - Theories and Techniques of Drama Composition (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows the history, theory, and technique of dramatic composition on the page and on the stage; how to analyse different forms of written drama; how to identify performative potential in non-drama material; and how to recognize interactions between the level of spectacle, the literary level, and the social context. The course includes composition assignments modelled on real examples.

Course contents

The Absurd or Revolt?
Characters and Archetypes in the Dramaturgy of Albert Camus

The course begins with a historical survey of the development of dramatic writing, with particular attention to the relationship between characters and archetypes - from Greek and Roman drama through medieval theatre, the Renaissance, and the early modern period, to bourgeois and Romantic drama, culminating in the early twentieth century.

The second part of the course focuses on The Misunderstanding as a case study, examining the play from both dramaturgical and poetic perspectives. Particular attention will be devoted to the interplay between characters and archetypes as developed in this work, as well as to the themes of the absurd as a conscious formal choice and revolt as a radical existential stance.

The final sessions are devoted to individual playwriting exercises based on the themes and compositional techniques explored throughout the course.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Readings/Bibliography

Bibliography for Attending Students

- L. Allegri, La drammaturgia occidentale, Carocci, Roma 2024 (Italian edition, selected chapters as indicated in class);

- A. Camus, Il malinteso, in Tutto il teatro Milano, Bompiani, 2018;

- Handout consisting of extracts from dramatic works analysed during the course (with at least one text for each historical period or movement covered);

- Writing exercises carried out in class;

- Lecture notes.

Bibliography for Non-Attending Students

- L. Allegri, La drammaturgia occidentale, Carocci, Roma 2024;

In addition, students must choose three texts from the following list:

- J. Anouilh, Antigone, in Antigone. Variazioni sul mito, a cura di Maria Grazia Ciani, Marsilio, Venezia 2000;

- S. Beckett, Aspettando Godot, Einaudi, Torino, 1997;

- C. Bene, Riccardo III, in C. Bene. G. Deleuze Sovrapposizioni, Quodlibet, Macerata 2012;

- B. Brecht, Madre Courage e i suoi figli, Einaudi, Torino 2015;

- A. Camus, Il malinteso, in Tutto il teatro Bompiani, Milano 2018;

- A. Cechov, Tre sorelle, in Teatro, Garzanti, Milano 2014.

- A. Jarry, Ubu, Adelphi, Milano 1977;

- L. Pirandello, Sei personaggi in cerca d’autore, any Italian edition;

- J.-P. Sartre, Le mosche - Porta chiusa, Bompiani, Milano 2013.

Teaching methods

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures. Selected excerpts from dramatic texts will be analyzed together. The active participation of the attending students will be solicited through classroom discussions. The lectures will occasionally include meetings with artists and scholars on topics close to those dealt with in the course.

Assessment methods

The final examination will consist of an oral interview that will focus on the topics covered in the lectures and on the texts in the bibliography in the case of those who attend; those who do not attend, on the other hand, will refer to the volumes indicated in the bibliography. The interview results in a grade in 30/30. No further papers are due before the oral examination interview. Active attendance of lectures is a relevant factor in the learning process and will therefore also influence the final assessment.

The learning of knowledge, the ability to analyse and synthesise, the organic view (and not the mechanical repetition) of the topics, lexical and expressive mastery, originality in the critical reworking of content will be taken into consideration for the assessment.

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Lectures accompanied by videos, iconographic material, textual sources.

Office hours

See the website of Caterina Piccione