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Valentina Valentini's 'Teatro contemporaneo: 1989-2019' Maps Three Decades of Performance

publication · 2026-04-27

Valentina Valentini's publication, 'Teatro contemporaneo: 1989-2019' (Carocci, 2020), examines three decades of Western theatre, prioritizing an analysis of particular works rather than theoretical discourse. It begins with 'Questioni' (Questions), delving into the interplay between reality and fiction, memory versus history, and the political aspects of theatre. Valentini contends that performance studies have reached a point of stagnation, calling for a renewed emphasis on tangible subjects. The book addresses sound dramaturgies, highlighting figures like Chiara Guidi, Roberto Latini, and Ermanna Montanari from the 'Italian school' of vocal arts. Concluding abruptly post-sound chapter, it resembles a travel diary. Valentini identifies a crisis in 'theatre form' and 'spectacle format,' yet perceives continuity and transformation as persistent themes.

Key facts

  • Valentina Valentini authored 'Teatro contemporaneo: 1989-2019', published by Carocci in 2020.
  • The book covers thirty years of Western theatre and performance from 1989 to 2019.
  • Valentini rejects deconstructivist theory and entomological classifications.
  • The first chapter is titled 'Questioni' (Questions), setting an interrogative tone.
  • The book includes portraits of Chiara Guidi, Roberto Latini, and Ermanna Montanari on sound dramaturgies.
  • Valentini argues the revolutionary thrust of performance studies is exhausted.
  • The volume ends abruptly after the sound chapter, without a conclusion.
  • Valentini sees continuity and transformation as key principles in contemporary theatre.

Entities

Artists

  • Valentina Valentini
  • Chiara Guidi
  • Roberto Latini
  • Ermanna Montanari

Institutions

  • Carocci
  • Societas Raffaello Sanzio

Locations

  • Roma
  • Italy

Sources