Seminar No. 2.1.

Title: Shakespeare and Opera in the Mediterranean Milieu: Rewriting Texts, Staging Polyphonies, and
Acting the Music.

Leaders:

Marga Munkelt (University of Muenster)
Giovanna Silvani (University of Parma, Italy)

Participants:

Marco Capra (University of Parma)
Sheila Cavanagh (Emory University)
David Lindley (University of Leeds),
Giorgio Melchiori (University of Rome)
Elena Sala Di Felice (University of Cagliari),
Romana Zacchi (University of Bologna)

Abstract:

This seminar will focus on musical treatments of Shakespearian drama in Mediterranean countries with particular emphasis
on Italian-language compositions. Attention will be given to the range of operatic responses (including libretti) and the
effects of their fidelity to -- and divergence from -- the original play-texts, especially with regard to the way in which they
enhance or diminish issues raised by Shakespeare, alter the dramatic thrust of the plays, and/or change the importance or
the nature of principal or major secondary roles. Performance history and production recovery/reconstruction are related concerns.