International Conference

Theater beyond the Theater in a Comparative Perspective: Ritual Drama, Folklore, and Reception

May 26 – 28, 2025

University of Naples “L’Orientale” 
Corigliano Palace – 2nd floor
Piazza San Domenico Maggiore 12
80134 – Naples

Poster and programme

The dynamics of producing and staging performances will be analysed from comparative and diachronic perspectives across a vast geographical area ranging from the ancient Mediterranean to the Far East. The aim of this conference is to analyse the social processes that transform ritual drama into codified theatrical performances. The conference will seek to provide a more accurate definition of the terms ‘folklore’ and ‘high and low theatre’ in the different cultures examined. Particular reference will be made to the emotional involvement of the audience and their active role in influencing the decisions of those responsible for the staging.  In some cultures, drama has never broken its link with its ritual origins, maintaining a significant social impact throughout. Unsurprisingly, theatre has played a powerful educational and political role in these cultures. However, in cultures where the link with ritual has weakened, turning plays into purely literary works, traces of ritual theatre can still be found in authors’ texts. Popular forms of theatre, free from institutional control, have also continued to thrive in unofficial and non-canonical spaces.

ORGANISED BY
University of Naples “L’Orientale”

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
Maria Arpaia (University of Naples “L’Orientale”), Stefania Cavaliere (University of Naples “L’Orientale”), Andrea Ercolani (CNR – Institute of Mediterranean Studies), Chiara Ghidini (University of Naples “L’Orientale”),  Laura Lulli (University of L’Aquila), Giacomella Orofino (University of Naples “L’Orientale”), Riccardo Palmisciano (University of Naples “L’Orientale”), Alessandra Piergrossi (CNR – Institute of Cultural Heritage Sciences ISPC), Livio Sbardella (University of L’Aquila)  

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
The conference is open to the public, subject to availability. It is possible to participate remotely on the ZOOM platform at the following link: https://shorturl.at/extTK (Meeting ID: 899 2887 3027 Access Code: 962512)

INFO AND CONTACTS
andrea.ercolani@ismed.cnr.it
maria.arpaia@unior.it
rpalmisciano@unior.it