About

The proposed project will study the ways in which adaptation of literature into opera could be a reflection of Italian cultural imagination and identity. Opera has long been subjected to a stereotypical representation as an art form stuck in the past for the pleasure of wealthy spectators. Yet by adopting such a view, we run the risk of letting opera fall into that exact stereotype, overlooking its status as a living, international and widespread art. The subject matter of this project is inspired by recent attempts to define and sustain the cultural importance of opera in Italy, its home country, notably the successful campaign to include Italian opera signing in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. I aim to complement these efforts by bringing opera into an interdisciplinary dialogue with the world of literature. The concept of adaptation will play a key part here, since it allows us to situate operas in relation both to the various literary works they are based on and their ‘afterlives’ – subsequent performances and presence in popular culture. Each chapter of the thesis will focus on a specific case study of a literature-based Italian opera, ranging from the early operas of the 17th century, up to contemporary works and performances. Through such analysis, we can, on the one hand, better understand opera’s expressive power and persistence in shedding a new light on pre-existing stories of Italian cultural identity and, on the other, recognise the ongoing relevance of opera in Italian culture.