English Literature 1 LM (2011/2012)

Learning outcomes

The module intends to offer an introduction to the idea and practice of theatrical and filmic performance with reference to some Shakespearean plays.

“From tragic to magic eros: performing Romeo and Juliet and The Tempest.”

The module will discuss a selection of productions and filmic versions of Romeo and Juliet and of The Tempest, and will explore the page-to-stage/screen relation in the adaptation of the two plays for different media and in different cultural contexts.


LANGUAGE: the module will be held in English.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Primary Texts:

• William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare in Production, ed. by James N. Loehlin, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2002
• William Shakespeare, The Tempest, Shakespeare in Production, ed. by Christine Dymkowski, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2000

References:

1) from Shakespeare Survey, 49,1996, ed. by S. Wells:

• Stanley Wells, “The Challenges of Romeo and Juliet”, pp. 1-14
• Andrew Gurr, “The Date and the Expected Venue of Romeo and Juliet ”, pp. 15-26
• J.Jill Levenson, “Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: The Places of Invention”, pp. 45-56
• Philip Davies, “Nineteenth-Century Juliet”, pp. 131-140
• Anthony Davies, “The Film Versions of Romeo and Juliet ”, pp. 153-162
• Joan Ozark Holmer, “The Poetics of Paradox: Shakespeare's Versus Zeffirelli's Cultures of Violence, pp. 163-180

2) from Shakespeare Survey, 43, 1991, ed. by S. Wells:

• Kurt Tetzelli Rosador, “The Power of Magic: From Endimion to The Tempest, pp. 1-14
• Michael Dobson, “'Remember/First to Possess his Books': The Appropriation of The Tempest 1700—1800”, pp.99-108
• Inga-Stina Ewbank, “The Tempest and After”, pp.109-121
• Russ McDonald, “Reading The Tempest”, pp. 15-28


Please be advised

Further details on required readings and general information on bibliographical material will be provided during classes.

The exam will consist in an oral discussion in English of the module’s topics.