A Translation Seminar with Neil Blackadder

As Susan Bassnett has written: “When we consider translation for the theatre what becomes clear is that it is a collaborative activity, unlike other forms of translation.” Just what forms does that collaboration take? How is the decision-making process of the translator different when s/he is conferring with others besides the author? Do different decisions need to made for performance than for publication? I will consider these and other questions, drawing on fifteen years of translating plays from German and French and working closely with playwrights, directors, actors, and dramaturgs.

Neil Blackadder translates drama and prose from German and French, specializing in contemporary theatre. His translations of plays by Lukas Bärfuss and Ewald Palmetshofer have been produced in London, New York, Chicago, and elsewhere. Other playwrights Neil has translated include Rebekka Kricheldorf and Thomas Arzt. He has received grants from the Howard Foundation and PEN and held residencies at the Banff Center and Writers Omi. He is also one of the organizers of the Theatre in Translation network (TinT). Neil grew up in England and now teaches theatre at Knox College.

The Translation Seminar Series, coordinated by Professors Russell Valentino and Bill Johnston, is open to the IU community and general public.

Coffee and tea will be served.

This event is cosponsored by the Department of Germanic Studies, the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance, and the College’s Office of International Affairs.