Learning outcomes
At the end of this course students should

• have gained an insight into the work of two important dramatists and a theatre
• director;

• have obtained some knowledge of the social and political aspects of the time in
• which the three artists operated;

• be able to discuss metatheatrical as well as social and literary issues
• concerning the works under examination.

Brief description
Goldoni's 'Una delle ultime sere di carnovale'
Pirandello's 'I giganti della montagna'
'La Tempesta' directed by Giorgio Strehler

When a dramatist takes stock of his art and says goodbye to his audience ('Una delle ultime sere di carnovale' has been called a "farewell comedy", 'I giganti della montagna' a "testament") are his reflections on the theatre a metaphor for his view of society, or is society a metaphor for the theatre?

Whatever the answer, this module offers the opportunity to take a close look at Italy's two greatest dramatists - and at one of its greatest theatre directors.

Wherever possible, we shall be looking at videotaped productions of the plays examined in this course.