Introduction to Translation

This is the second edition of a project than first ran in 2022 and is designed as an opportunity to explore and learn more about the process of translating work for theatre. It’s open to anyone interested in theatre who has a strong and proficient knowledge of a language other than English.

This is a chance to learn more about different approaches to the translation of plays and texts for performance into English. To meet and hear from a range of translators. To discuss and explore the politics of translation and different ways a writer’s voice might be represented. And also for each participant to work on the translation of a piece of text themselves with support and mentorship from the theatre and senior translators.

The group is facilitated by William Gregory, a regular Spanish-language translator for the Royal Court and other theatres in the UK and internationally. Sessions will also include a range of guest artists and translators working in other languages and other theatre companies who work with translation in the UK.

The programme is intended for people at the beginning of their journey into theatre translation, rather than for people with professional experience of, or formal qualifications in, the translation of theatre or literature. (Those who do have such experience are invited to contact the Royal Court about our monthly drop-in meetings for UK-based theatre translators or theatre artists who read work in global languages other than English.)

What the Group Involves:

• 8 evening sessions across an 11-week period run in person at the Royal Court
• sessions exploring the practice of different translators and the questions they face
• an opportunity to share discoveries and discussions with peers
• an opportunity to work on translating a scene or section of a play in the language of your choice into English
• support from the Royal Court International team in identifying and sourcing a text
• mentorship across the process of work on this text
• an opportunity to hear your work in translation in an informal workshop with actors at the end of the group
• signposting to further opportunities and routes to continue your practice

Who Can Apply:

• priority will be given to candidates with little or no experience in theatre translation
• no previous experience of translation or playwriting is required, although some engagement with or demonstrable interest in theatre-making in any context is desirable
• participants will have strong and confident knowledge of a language other than English
• no formal qualifications in your language are required
• applications are welcome from those with no professional theatre experience, as well as from theatre artists from any background or discipline, whether you consider yourself an actor, director, designer, producer, facilitator or any other role
• applicants must be over the age of 18 and free to attend weekday evening sessions at the Royal Court between 6.00-8.30pm on the following dates:

Wednesday 22^nd February, 1^st, 8^th, 15^th March, 5^th, 12^th, 19^th April.

The session on 26^th April will be from 9.00am – 7.00pm.

Is the group accessible?

We’re committed to ensuring the group is accessible for all. We can support with access needs, travel and other costs of joining a group from outside London. Everyone who is offered a place will be asked to fill in an access questionnaire to ensure we can provide the appropriate resources.

There is no fee to take part and applicants must be aged 18 or over and based in the UK or Ireland.

If you have any access needs regarding the application process please let us know. We will accept 2 minute videos instead of a written response to the application question.

Information given is strictly confidential and will in no way affect your application.

If you have any questions about accessibility or your application, please don’t hesitate to contact international@royalcourttheatre.com

Applications for this group are now closed and the group will be running until the end of April