B8750 - FORME DELLA SCENA INTERMEDIALE (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student acquires a complete overview of the aesthetic theories and technological integration strategies in place on the performance scene, as well as the relations with experimentation in the field of sound. Starting from the analysis of representative works and the discussion of the main national and international theoretical-critical positions, the student: - acquires the methodological tools to inscribe contemporary practices in a perspective of continuity and rupture with the historical framework of the discipline in question. In terms of skills, this knowledge provides students with: - analytical tools to be applied in the field of education, essay writing and criticism; - analytical tools to be applied in the field of planning, design and management of specific spectacular events - theatrical and choreographic - linked to the use of technologies.

Course contents

Title: Corporeality, Perception, Technological Devices.

A close examination of the contemporary choreographic landscape reveals how technology—in its various forms, from video to artificial intelligence (AI)—is conceived and employed as an extension of the dancers’ imaginative and corporeal capacities (e.g., through biofeedback), enabling the development of innovative gestural vocabularies. This course therefore offers an in-depth exploration of the creative processes through which choreographers—including Merce Cunningham, William Forsythe, Wayne McGregor, Ginette Laurin, Isabelle Van Grimde, and N+N Corsino—have redefined the notion of stage presence through technological mediation.

Particular attention is devoted to the dialogue between choreography and the visual arts, sound, and architecture, examined within the broader aesthetic framework of immersive environments. This conceptual perspective provides the basis for analysing the compositional strategies through which spectators become immersed in audiovisual spaces that reshape and extend their perception of the performance.

 

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 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

1) A book of your choice from the following:

a)- I. Choinière, E. Pitozzi, A. Davidson, Through the Prism of the Senses: Mediation and New Realities of the Body in Contemporary Performance Technology, Cognition and Emergent Research-Creation Methodologies, Bristol, BETWEEN Intellect Ltd, 2019.

b)- Franco, Susanne, and Marina Nordera (eds), The Oxford Handbook of Dance and Memory, Oxford Handbooks (New York, NY, 2026; online edn, Oxford Academic, 13 Feb. 2026): https://academic.oup.com/editedvolume/62319

2)- Bleeker, M. (ed.), Transmission in Motion. The Technologizing of Dance, London, Routledge, 2017.

3)- E. Pitozzi, Magnetica. La composizione coreografica di Cindy Van Acker / La composition chorégraphique de Cindy Van Acker / The choreographic composition of Cindy Van Acker, Macerata, Quodlibet, 2015.

For non-attending students, we also recommend reading one of these two texts:

a)- E. Pitozzi (a cura di), On presence, numero monografico della rivista “Culture Teatrali”, n. 21, 2012.

b)- Letizia Gioia Monda, Choreographic bodies. L'esperienza della Motion Bank nel progetto multidisciplinare di Forsythe, Roma, Dino Audino, 2016.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons, with analysis and deepening of the concepts treated, guided analysis of the audiovisual works of the theatre, choreographic and installation scene.

Assessment methods

The evaluation of the course will be carried out according to the ways, timing and guidelines established by the course of study. It will be based on an oral interview. Students may also agree with the Lecturer to prepare an essay on the aspects developed within the module. The written text shall be approx 10 pages and shall be provided to the Lecturer one week before the oral test date. Evaluation will be according to the modes, timing and directive set up for the course and will be based on an oral test.

The final exam will be an oral one, with questions aimed to verify the student's knowledge of the themes discussing during frontal lectures (only for attending students) as well as those treated in the program's texts. Attending students may, alternatively, present a written work agreed with the teacher.

The assessment will concentrate particularly on the skill displayed by the student in handling the material in the exam bibliography and his ability to find and use information and examples to illustrate and correlate the various themes and problems addressed in the course.

The assessment will thus examine the student's:

- factual knowledge of the subject;

- ability to summarise and analyse themes and concepts;

- familiarity with the terminology associated with the subject and his ability to use it effectively.

Top marks will be awarded to a student displaying an overall understanding of the topics discussed during the lectures, combined with a critical approach to the material and a confident and effective use of the appropriate terminology (30 cum laude and 30).

Average marks will be awarded to a student who has memorized the main points of the material and is able to summarise them satisfactorily and provide an effective critical commentary, while failing to display a complete command of the appropriate terminology (29-27).

A mnemonic knowledge of the subject, together with the capacity for synthesis and analysis articulated in a correct language, but not always appropriate, will lead to discreet evaluations (26-24).

Gaps in training and/or imprecise language - albeit in a context of minimal knowledge of the examination material - will lead to sufficient marks (23-21).

Training gaps and/or imprecise language - albeit in a context of minimal knowledge of the examination material - will lead to just enough grades (20-18).

Insufficient training, inappropriate language, lack of orientation within the bibliographic material will be evaluated negatively (<18).

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office 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.

 

AI can be a useful tool to support individual study through in-depth analyses, summaries, and self-assessment activities. However, with regard to the assessment of learning, the use of AI is prohibited during in-person examinations. Any use of AI in this context constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Audiovisual material from theatre, digital archives; platforms and websites.

Office hours

See the website of Enrico Pitozzi