ABSTRACT
A multifaceted intellectual and celebrated scholar, Pietro Napoli Signorelli (1731-1815) was a writer, dramatist, translator and drama instructor. Signorelli's specific focus on dramatic art led to the creation of numerous pieces that contributed significantly to the discourse surrounding the function of theatre and actors during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Elements of Dramatic Poetry (1801) includes intriguing reflections on the actor, dramatic acting, the staging of performances, and the theatrical setting. It is situated in a vital moment in the history of acting, marked by a significant crisis that signalled the end of a traditional model and the emergence of new modes of expression. The book comprises three parts. The initial section explores the essentials of dramatic poetry, covering its roots, fundamental principles, imitation of ancient models, and necessary skills to excel in this art form. Napoli Signorelli conducts a thorough examination of original poetic approaches within different dramatic genres, including tragedy, comedy, and opera. His foremost attention is devoted to the elemental constituents that make up a performance, such as prose, music, choreography, scenery, and costumes. Signorelli recognises theatre as a valuable educational tool for audiences and refutes the idea that it's solely a form of entertainment. He asserts that it plays a crucial role in shaping moral and cultural education. Theatre, according to Signorelli, not only provides entertainment but also prompts social introspection, illuminating moral concepts and failings. Napoli Signorelli's Elements of Dramatic Poetry emphasizes the ethical role of theatre, educating the audience on values like truthfulness, wisdom, self-control, and adherence to the law.
BIOGRAFIA
Alberto Bentoglio è Professore Ordinario di Storia del teatro e dello spettacolo all’Università degli Studi di Milano. Tra le sue principali opere: L'arte del capocomico: biografia critica di Salvatore Fabbrichesi (Roma, Bulzoni, 1994); Antonio Colomberti, Memorie di un artista drammatico (Roma, Bulzoni, 2004); Sei personaggi in cerca d’autore di Pirandello per Giorgio De Lullo (Pisa, ETS, 2007); Antonio Colomberti, Dizionario biografico degli attori italiani (Roma, Bulzoni, 2009); Milano, città dello spettacolo (Milano, Unicopli, 2014); 20 lezioni su Giorgio Strehler (Imola, CuePress, 2020); Maria Callas (Roma, Carocci, 2023). alberto.bentoglio@unimi.it
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