Theatre Translation: Theory and Practice

Translation for the theatre is a complex activity that tends to take either a textual or performative approach. This book argues that studies of this activity should take a more totalizing view of 'theatre translation as the sum of operations required to transform one theatre act into another' and analyses three complex Western case histories in light of this definition. It combines theory with practice to investigate how traditional ideas on translation have been applied in the theatrical domain and compares and contrasts the textual viewpoint of post-humanistic translators with the more performative approaches of contemporary theatrical practitioners. Theatre Translation provides a full diachronic survey of an age-old activity and a burgeoning academic field.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Translation for the theatre occupies a unique position between literary translation and adaptation for the stage, often being perceived as a marginal field. This book argues that studies of theatre translation tend to adopt either a textual or performative approach, neglecting a more comprehensive understanding of the complex activity. To address this gap, Massimiliano Morini delves into the history of translation theory through these lenses, proposing a holistic definition of theatre translation as the process of transforming one theatre act into another. He then analyzes three complex Western case histories in light of this all-encompassing perspective. By combining theory with practice, Morini investigates how traditional ideas on translation have been applied in the theatrical domain, comparing and contrasting the textual viewpoint of post-humanistic translators with the more performative approaches of contemporary theatrical practitioners. He also chronicles the rise of performative views in the third millennium, positioning Theatre Translation at the intersection of past and present, translation studies, and theatre semiotics. This book offers a comprehensive diachronic survey of an age-old activity and a burgeoning academic field, providing valuable insights into the world of theatre translation.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350195622