81589 - Theories and Techniques of Dramatic Composition (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - acquires historical, theoretical and technical knowledge on the compositional dynamics of the text and the dramatic show; - knows how to critically analyze the different forms of writing for the scene; - knows how to identify the performance potential of extra-scenic textual materials; - knows how to recognize the interactions between the spectacular level, the literary level and the social context. He also, through composition exercises corresponding to the main scenic and textual elements: - develops skills on 'dramaturgical application of the principles previously studied.

Course contents

Society, writing, performance in compositional dynamics from the early twentieth century to today,
and in the practices of theatrical storytelling.

The course will provide in-depth knowledge and practical applications on different compositional dynamics from the advent of directing to today.
In particular, the course will examine the synergies between author and ensemble, Stanislavskij’s directing books, Brecht’s "stage writing", the new epic dramaturgy, the avant-garde compositional processes and the theatrical experience of Pier Paolo Pasolini, with particular reference to intergenerational relations and social conflicts within its tragedies. Dramatic texts, "stage writing" documents and visual documentation will be analyzed for each topic. The course provides a reinterpretation of the main trends of the sixties and seventies through the polemic, theoretical and dramatic writings of Pier Paolo Pasolini. The second module will be dedicated to the development of a laboratory process related to the techniques and dramaturgies of storytelling theater. During the activities the participants will integrate and assemble texts by Pasolini composing and animating performatively a series of narratives integrated within the same theme. Who has to take the exam for 6 credits is required to refer to the lessons and the program of the first module.

I Modulo (6 credits): Society, writing, performance in compositional dynamics from the early twentieth century to today

II Module (6 credits): Society, writing, performance in the practices of storytelling theatre

I Modulo + II Modulo: Society, writing, performance in compositional dynamics from the early twentieth century to the present, and in the practices of storytelling theater.
Start of lessons of the first module: Monday, September 21, 2020.
End of lessons of the second module: Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
Teaching break: 2-6 November 2020.

Lesson schedule. First module (28 Sept.-21 Oct.)
Monday, 11-13, Aula Cruciani, Via Barberia 4.
Tuesday 11-13, Aula Cruciani, Via Barberia 4.
Wednesday 11-13. Aula Cruciani, Via Barberia 4.

On Sept. 21, 22 and 23/2020 the lessons will be held exclusively remotely through microsoft teams, from 28/Sept./2020 the lessons will be held in traditional mode (it will still be possible to follow the lessons live through microsoft teams).

Start of the lessons of the second module: Monday, November 9.
End of lessons of the second module: Wednesday, December 9.
Lesson schedule. Second module (9 Nov. - 9 Dec.)
Monday, 11-13, Aula Cruciani, Via Barberia 4.
Tuesday, 11-13, Aula Ferrero, Via Barberia 4.
Wednesday 11-13. Aula Ferrero, Via Barberia 4.

Readings/Bibliography

I Module (six credits)

1 - Dispensa di teoria e tecnica della composizione drammatica, edited by Prof. Gerardo Guccini, with the collaboration of Dr. Nicoletta Lupia (available at the Arpho printing house, Via Barberia 9)
2- Stefano Casi, Angela Felice, Gerardo Guccini (edited by), Pasolini e il teatro, Venice, Marsilio, 2012 (pp. 3-240 only)
3-Stefano Casi, I teatri di Pasolini, (Milano, Ubulibri, 2005, or CUE Press also available in ebook format), only pp. 18-181.
4- the following three dramatic texts by Pier Paolo Pasolini: Pilade, Calderon, Orgia.

II Module (six credits)
The activities of the second module are workshops and provide for the conception and realization of a theatrical narrative.
The module foresees the crossing of different phases of the compositional process: the identification of the theme; the research of the sources; their treatment.
Non-attending students who intend to give the exam from 12 credits without having followed the laboratory should lead to integration of the program
1. K. S. Stanislavskij, Le mie regie 1. Il gabbiano, edited by Fausto Malcovati, CUE Press (also available in ebook format)
2- Gerardo Guccini, Nicoletta Lupia, Laboratorio Pasolini (available at the Arpho printing works, Via Barberia 9)
3- the following dramatic texts by Pier Paolo Pasolini: Affabulazione, Porcile, Bestia da stile.

I Module + II Module (12 credits)

1 - Dispensa di teoria e tecnica della composizione drammatica, edited by Prof. Gerardo Guccini, with the collaboration of Dr. Nicoletta Lupia (available at the Arpho printing house, Via Barberia 9)
2- Stefano Casi, Angela Felice, Gerardo Guccini (edited by), Pasolini e il teatro, Venezia, Marsilio, 2012, (pp. 3-240 only)
3 - Stefano Casi, I teatri di Pasolini, (Milano, Ubulibri, 2005,o CUE Press disponibile anche in formato ebook), solo le pp. 18-181.
4-the following three dramatic texts by Pier Paolo Pasolini: Pilade, Calderon, Orgia.
Non-attending students who intend to take the exam from 12 credits without having followed the laboratory should lead to integration of the program:
5. K. S. Stanislavskij, Le Mie Regie 1. Il Gabbiano, edited by Fausto Malcovati, CUE Press (also available in ebook format)
6 - Gerardo Guccini, Nicoletta Lupia, Laboratorio Pasolini (available at the Arpho printing works, Via Barberia 9)
7- the following dramatic texts by Pier Paolo Pasolini: Affabulazione, Porcile, Bestia da stile.

Teaching methods

Lessons with integration of seminar moments and laboratory processes of narrative theater.

Assessment methods

Oral exam

Teaching tools

Lessons and workshops of storytelling theater. The laboratory part will be integrated by the research of sources and by assembly exercises and textual reworking.

Office hours

See the website of Gerardo Guccini