Module description 

This module interrogates cultural transfer through translation from the perspective of theatrical performance. Recent productions of European theatre translated bi-directionally between English and other European languages will be studied on a thematic basis using play texts in the original and in translation, supplemented by recorded visual material. In addition to exploring canonical European playwrights, including William Shakespeare, the sessions will examine the reception of contemporary playwrights across Europe, for example Federico Garçia Lorca. The module provides an introduction to performance and cultural theory, including Bertolt Brecht and Walter Benjamin, and a consideration of key issues such as collaboration, rewriting, invisibility and foreignization. Primary texts will be studied in English, but as the aim of the course is to compare different translations and performances, students will be invited to contribute from the perspective of their individual studied language(s) and culture(s).



Teaching delivery

The core lecture introduces the topic being studied, contextualising debates and primary materials and providing indications of ways of thinking through materials being studied. Small group seminars are based on focused analysis and student discussion of close readings of materials and evaluation of varying kinds of evidence in the context set out by lectures.

Details of which specific text and performances will be the primary focus may vary from year to year. There are trips scheduled every year to view recorded performances at the National Theatre archive, though the number of times we make the trip may vary from year to year.



Recommended Reading



The module reading will be made available online as well as other resources such as youtube video clips. Guidelines on how to write your essay will also be posted on Moodle.







Please note: this module description is accurate at the time of publication. Amendments may be made prior to the start of the academic year.