Adrienne Ward

Advancing the state of knowledge in 17th- and 18th-century Italian literature, Adrienne Ward is an Associate Professor Emerita in the Department of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese at the University of Virginia. With a Ph.D. in Italian from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she has dedicated her academic career to exploring the rich tapestry of Italian theater production and culture during the early modern period. Professor Ward's scholarly contributions include her acclaimed book, "Pagodas in Play: China on the Eighteenth-Century Italian Opera Stage" (2010), which delves into the fascinating intersections of cultural exchange and theatrical representation. Her research extends to various aspects of Italian theater, where she has published numerous articles examining comic traditions, travel literature, and the intricate dynamics of gender and marriage culture in early modern Italy. Her work not only illuminates the complexities of Italian opera and theater but also provides insights into the broader cultural and social contexts of the time. Through her research, Professor Ward has significantly contributed to the understanding of how Italian literature and performance art have evolved and influenced contemporary cultural narratives. In addition to her research, Professor Ward has been an inspiring educator, guiding students through the nuances of Italian literature and theater. Her passion for the subject matter and her dedication to teaching have left a lasting impact on her students and colleagues alike. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of scholars in the field of Romance Languages and Literatures.