Divas: Screens, Stages, and Italian Celebrity

Italy is spectacular. But what (or even who) constitutes its fame? Historically, divas first emerged on the Italian stage before anywhere else in Europe, transforming into iconic figures of awe, outrage, admiration, scandal, wonder, and celebrity. From the prima donna of early Italian theater to the rise of the Baroque castrato, and the heroines of nineteenth-century opera to the icons of post-war Neorealism, divas have shaped the representations of Italian identity for centuries. This course is media-immersed with materials drawn from the history of theater, music, opera, film, and art. Course topics evolve in tandem with the site visits during the program to various cities, theaters, museums, libraries, and outdoor spaces. Course conducted in English through the Duke in Bologna program.