B8719 - TEORIE E PRATICHE DEL DRAMATURG (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - acquires historical, theoretical, critical and practical knowledge of performance composition from the point of view of the Dramaturg’s specific activity, in an interdisciplinary and intercultural perspective; acquires methodological tools to analyze and compare different forms of dramaturgical writing and scenic writing, recognizing the interactions between textual and spectacular levels; possesses a complete overview of the evolution of theories and practices revolving around the figure of the Dramaturg, both in historical-genealogical context and in contemporary operational outlook. In terms of skills, this knowledge provides the student/student with fundamental theoretical, critical and methodological tools to understand and take part in future performance composition processes from a critical, theoretical, authorial, artistic and organizational point of view.

Course contents

The Secret Stage.
The Dramaturg in History and the Present

What exactly does a dramaturg do? And, above all, what does a dramaturg not do? The course begins with a historical reconstruction of the origins and evolution of this role, from its emergence in German culture to the different forms it assumed in twentieth-century European theatre, through to the most recent contemporary and interdisciplinary practices.

The second part of the course focuses on a series of case studies illustrating the work of the dramaturg in different contexts: from accompanying a dramatic text towards the stage to the development of a new work, from author-centred dramaturgy to dance. Through the reading of rehearsal journals, archival materials, dramaturgical notes, and first-hand accounts, students will develop analytical frameworks to be applied to live performances (or recorded performances, depending on the students' preferences).

The final part of the course consists of a series of practice-based sessions in which students will experiment firsthand with the role of the dramaturg, working directly with artists from different disciplines (playwrights, directors, choreographers, performers, and stage photographers) and putting into practice the theoretical and methodological tools acquired 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

- C. Meldolesi, R.M. Molinari, Il lavoro del dramaturg. Nel teatro dei testi con le ruote, Ubulibri, Milano 2007;

- L. Dalisi, Dramagia. Edward Albee e il mestiere del dramaturg, Emergenze Publishing, 2022;

- Handout consisting of extracts from works analysed during the course;

- Practical exercises in the role of dramaturg;

- Lecture notes.

Bibliography for Non-Attending Students

- C. Meldolesi, R.M. Molinari, Il lavoro del dramaturg. Nel teatro dei testi con le ruote, Ubulibri, Milano 2007;

- L. Dalisi, Dramagia. Edward Albee e il mestiere del dramaturg, Emergenze Publishing, Perugia 2022;

- B. Cvejic, The Ignorant Dramaturg, «Maska», vol. 16 no. 131-132, 2010;

- Numero monografico di rivista: The Dramaturg, Today, «Sound Stage Screen», vol. 1, n. 1, 2011;

- Numero monografico di rivista: Dramaturg. Pratiche di definizione, «Lo Scandaglio», n. 3, Theatron 2.0.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures. Selected excerpts from dramatic and philosophical works 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