Rev.E. Revolution and Empire. Evolution of the dramatic art and cultural policies between the end of French Revolution and the Imperial era

ended

Due to its double nature (text and representation) theatre belongs to the literary domain while having specific aspects that binds it to its socio-historical context. During the considered era it is one of the most effective collective expressions of society. Its analysis allows a still topical reflection on institutional mechanisms of control of the freedom of art and press. Conceived with Prof. Astbury (University of Warwick host institution) and Prof. Frantz (Université Paris-Sorbonne secondment) Rev.E project has 2 objectives. First, the creation of a missing calendar of the Parisian repertory of the Consulate (1799-1804) related to a freely accessible online database (filled with unknown primary materials: press reviews, censors' or police reports etc.) that will be combined with an interactive website to allow a user-friendly gateway to explore it. Second, the investigation of the relationship between theatre and its broader context (1789-1815) to enhance critical reflection on a neglected corpus through an interdisciplinary approach (arts de la scène, history, history of theatre and of literature, history of mentalities, cultural policies). Findings will also be presented through themed seminars, an international conference (plus volume of proceedings), academic presentations, the submission of 3 articles to peer-reviewed journals and of the critical edition of Etéocle by Legouvé (1799). Public engagement activities for a non-specialist public will include talks (Coventry, 2021 Uk city of Culture), an online exposition (Costuming the Consulate), a school workshop leading to an online theatrical chronicle (1799-1804, key-dates) using tweets and radio interviews, and the staging of La femme à deux maris (Pixérecourt, 1802) at Porchester Castle. The collaboration with renowned scholars will increase the fellow's possibilities of being inserted in higher scientific networks. The acquisition of new DH competencies will be transferred back to Verona University.