#3.1 CONTEMPORARY TRENDS

An evident (and rather common) factor is the coexistence of tradition and innovation. In the nineties Italian theatre pointed at a very visual form, giving birth to globally known artists such as Romeo Castellucci and Socìetas Raffaello Sanzio, and that lesson is still to be learned: many contemporary groups are sailing in the same direction, clearly updating the toolbox with the most recent discoveries in stage technology. Rather than larger ensembles, the resonating names of established directors that offer open auditions for actors and performers for each production they author are more common. A strong and active legion of young groups and independent artists tour Italy with new editions of classic works or—even more often—completely new material. Compared to other countries, such as Germany or the UK, Italy does not have a proper playwriting avant-garde. Of course there are some influential authors but generally speaking the “new theatre” is not led by a severe tyranny of the written page. See Relevant Examples for an indexed list of highlights from the contemporary scene.

Published on 11 May 2015