Donato Santeramo

Donato Santeramo is a Professor and Head of the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at Queen’s University, cross-appointed to the Dan School of Drama and Music and associated with the Cultural Studies Graduate Program. He holds a Laurea in Letters and Philosophy from the University of Rome La Sapienza and a PhD in Italian Studies from the University of Toronto. His research focuses on 20th-century Italian theatre, literary semiotics, and diaspora studies, with notable translations of contemporary Italian playwrights including Paolo Puppa and Dario Fo. He received the Queen’s University Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2004.

Education:

• PhD in Italian Studies, University of Toronto
• Laurea in Lettere e filosofia, University of Rome La Sapienza

Research Interests: His work explores semiotics in literature and the arts, the interplay between mafia culture and literature, and the theatrical legacy of figures like Pirandello. He has also contributed to diaspora studies through his work at the University of Calabria’s Italian Diaspora Program.

Teaching: Teaches courses such as LLCU 200 (Semiotics), LLCU 214 (Mafia Culture), and LLCU 257 (Pirandello’s Theatre).

Contributions: Editor for academic journals, co-organized international art exhibits (e.g., Chromosomes), and participated in creative projects like co-editing Red Cars, a screenplay by David Cronenberg. Currently on leave until June 2025 but maintains appointments at Queen’s and the University of Rome II.