: workshop
Interested in translating for the stage and exploring international theatre in a hands-on way?
Join us for a hands-on one-day workshop exploring the art of theatre translation. Led by Co-Artistic Directors, Trine Garrett and Camila França, this session offers a look at what it takes to bring plays to life in new languages and cultures. With over ten years of experience sharing world theatre—including 9 UK/world premieres and contributions to over 30 new English translations—we’re excited to share our journey with you!
Below, you’ll find all the workshop details, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Saturday 30 November
11:30-16:30
Arrival with coffee and pastries from 11:00.
Wrap-up networking until 17:30.
Rose Lipman Building
43 De Beauvoir Road
N1 5SQ
the workshop
What We’ll Be Doing:
We’ll explore the craft of translating for the stage, focusing on Scandinavian works that have influenced our own experiences. You’ll participate in hands-on activities that can be applied to any language or cultural context. No prior knowledge of Scandinavian languages is required—everything we explore will easily translate (pun intended!) to your own work. Here’s a taste of what you’ll dive into:
- Explore the Craft: Discover what makes theatre translation special—not just words on a page, but text that’s meant to leap off the page, embodied and alive!
- Collaborate and Create: Take part in creative exercises and group discussions to explore cultural contexts, share ideas, and develop your collaborative skills.
- Connect and Network: Connect with fellow theatre-makers and translators, exchange ideas, and spark new collaborations—all over Scandinavian-inspired treats.
Takeaways:
- Practical insights into translating plays for the stage.
- New strategies to enhance your translation and theatre-making skills.
- A network of peers and professionals to enrich your work, with opportunities for future collaborations.
Who It’s For:
This workshop is open to translators, theatre-makers, and anyone passionate about language and live performance. All experience levels are welcome in this supportive space to experiment, ask questions, and share ideas.
Where To Find Us
Rose Lipman Building
43 De Beauvoir Road
London
N1 5SQ
The Rose Lipman Building has step-free access.
You can find directions here (we’ll also send these to you in advance).
When It’s Happening
The workshop will take place on Saturday 30 November.
Workshop Schedule
- 11:00-11:30: Arrival, coffee, and pastries
- 11:30-13:30: Session #1 – Introduction to Theatre Translation
- 13:30-14:30: Lunch Break
- 14:30-16:30: Session #2 – Challenges & Delights of Translating for the Stage
- 16:30-17:30: Wrap-Up & Networking (complete with Scandinavian holiday treats to welcome the festive season!)
How Much It Costs
This workshop is made possible by the generous support of the TNL Community Fund, ensuring it’s free for all. However, if you’re able to, we’d appreciate any donations to help us continue offering these opportunities.
Get In Touch
If you have any questions, please first check out our FAQs below. If you still need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at hello@foreignaffairs.org.uk.
faq
General
1. What will we be doing during the workshop?
We’ll be doing gentle, theatre games and practical exercises rooted in translation and collaborative writing. The workshop is interactive, and you can participate at your own pace—no one will be forced to do anything! It’s all about experimenting, learning, and sharing in a relaxed atmosphere.
2. What is the schedule for the day?
The workshop runs from 11:30 to 16:30 with a one-hour lunch break. We’ll kick things off with coffee and pastries from 11:00. We hope you’ll join us for the wrap-up networking session from 16:30 to 17:00. For a detailed breakdown, please refer to the schedule above.
3. Where is the workshop taking place?
The workshop will take place at our home in Hackney, the Rose Lipman Building. We’ll be working in the old community hall, and please note that it can get a bit chilly in winter, so we recommend bringing a warm layer to stay comfortable.
4. Do I need to bring anything with me?
We suggest bringing a notebook, something to write with, and lunch (or feel free to grab something from nearby). Don’t forget to bring a warm layer, as mentioned earlier!
Who Can Attend?
1. Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is for translators as well as performers and theatre-makers who have some language skills (e.g., speaking a second language).
2. Do I need any prior experience with translation or theatre?
If you’re passionate about language and live performance, you’re welcome to join us, regardless of experience. Our approach emphasises collaboration, knowledge exchange, and skill-sharing. You can expect a friendly, supportive environment where everyone’s ideas are valued, and learning is driven by shared experience.
Practical Details
1. How can I sign up for the workshop?
Just click the sign-up button on this web page, and you’re all set!
2. What if I can’t make it the whole day? Can I still attend part of the workshop?
The workshop is designed to be experienced as a whole, but if you can only make it to part of the day, that’s absolutely fine! Just make a note of this in the “Anything else to add?” section when you sign up.
3. Will lunch be provided, or do I need to bring my own?
Lunch is not provided, but there’s a fridge and microwave available for you to use. Plenty of lunch spots are nearby, and we’ll have tea and coffee ready when you arrive, plus Scandinavian holiday treats at the end of the day!
4. Why is this workshop free?
This workshop is part of a series funded by the TNL Community Fund. As an artist-led company, we’re dedicated to sharing our journey and helping others explore the world of theatre-making and translation. Thanks to the generous support of our funders, we’re able to offer these opportunities at no cost. In today’s climate, we want to ensure access to the arts is available to everyone. That said, if you’re able to, we’d greatly appreciate any donations to help us continue offering free, accessible workshops like this.
5. Is there any accessibility support for the workshop?
In the sign-up form, we’ll ask about any access requirements, and we’ll be in touch to ensure we can best support you during the workshop.
What’s Next?
1. Is there any follow-up or further opportunities after the workshop?
Absolutely! We run a series of workshops throughout the year. This one is the first in a series, with more to follow in Spring 2025. Stay tuned for details!
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