The course examines in depth what theory has defined as the “Historical Avant-Garde” (early 20th century) as well as the artistic practices grouped under the “Neo-Avant-Garde” (from the 1950s onwards). It explores why certain artistic expressions from these periods have been classified under these categories and identifies their defining characteristics. The course also highlights how theatre studies engage with these classifications and with the analytical tools used to examine a wide range of performances and artistic events traditionally situated within art history. In this way, artistic phenomena are approached as open fields of interpretation that allow for multiple readings and critical perspectives.

After the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• understand and contextualize key categories of the avant-garde across time and geography;
• identify and describe significant artistic works and events associated with these movements;
• analyze avant-garde artistic practices using fundamental tools of theatre studies.