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: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Translation for the theatre occupies a unique position in the realm of literary translation and stage adaptation, often being perceived as a marginalized field. This book argues that studies of theatre translation tend to adopt either a textual or performative approach, neglecting a holistic understanding of the complex activity. To address this gap, Massimiliano Morini delves into the history of translation theory through these lenses, proposing a comprehensive definition of "theatre translation" as the culmination of operations necessary to transform one theatrical act into another.

Morini then analyzes three intricate Western case histories, shedding light on the diverse approaches and techniques employed in theatre translation. By seamlessly combining theory with practice, Morini explores how traditional ideas on translation, spanning from Plautus and Cicero to the early 20th century, have been applied in the theatrical domain. He further compares and contrasts the inherently textual viewpoint of post-humanistic translators with the more performative approaches of contemporary theatrical practitioners, tracing the rise of performative views in the third millennium.

Positioned at the intersection of past and present, translation studies, and theatre semiotics, Theatre Translation offers a comprehensive and detailed diachronic survey of an age-old activity and a rapidly evolving academic field. This book provides valuable insights into the complexities of theatre translation, shedding light on the diverse approaches and techniques employed by translators and practitioners alike, and contributing to the growing body of knowledge in this field.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 233 x 156 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350199255