Translating for the Stage: The Role of “Aesthetic Fitting”
- 1 Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and English Studies, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Abstract
The translatability of a literary work depends not only on the difficulties the language and culture may pose but also on the aesthetic trends. Literary translations have an impact on the canon, perception and reception of the translated authors. Previous translations of a play, audience expectations and trends in acting are part of what could be called aesthetic fitting , and that may determine what is likely or not to be translated and the degree of acceptability of a translation. The act of translating a play is a cultural performance that establishes a dialogue between traditions. Performing traditions are very often conveyed within orality, connecting, thus, theatre performance or the teachings in acting schools with intangible heritage. The aim of this article is to define the concept of aesthetic fitting and see its relevance in the study of the translation of plays.
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