theatre in translation

step into new worlds with us!

We’re passionate about sharing stories from around the world and connecting different cultures through the power of theatre.

Translation lies at the heart of our work. It enables us to bring theatre from far away places to local audiences and communities, promoting multicultural collaboration and exchange in the process.

We’ve been doing this for a while now, and every moment has been filled with joy. We’re proud to have presented 13 new English translations, including both UK and world premieres. Not only that, we have actively supported the development of over 30 new English playtexts.

Our love for translation is undeniable and we owe a great deal of gratitude to our amazing translators. They breathe life and spirit into every word, making them the true heroes behind our artistic endeavours.

On this page, you’ll find a wealth of information about our translation activities, including training, events, readings, talks, and presentations. We also offer a variety of resources for those interested in the field.

Join us on this remarkable journey of discovering the world through theatre in translation!

so, why translation?

We love translation because it enables us to:

Share diverse stories

Through translation, we make stories and plays from around the world accessible to a broader audience, promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity.

Break down language barriers

Translation allows us to engage with plays from different cultures and languages, even if we don’t speak the original language.

Challenge assumptions & foster empathy

By sharing stories from various perspectives, we aim to challenge assumptions and stereotypes, fostering understanding and empathy for each other.

Promote multicultural exchange

Translation serves as a bridge, fostering collaboration and understanding between theatre-makers and audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Inspire creative exploration & innovation

Theatre in translation introduces us to a multitude of theatrical traditions, sparking our curiosity to experiment with new forms, styles, and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

our latest productions

ALL in translation, of course!

  • Black Swans

    by Christina Kettering
    Translated by Pauline Wick

  • The Wetsuitman

    by Freek Mariën
    Translated by David McKay

  • Where I Call Home

    by Marc-Antoine Cyr
    translated by Charis Ainslie

Want to know more about our past, present, and future productions? Click here to learn more!

more theatre in translation

We’re dedicated to bringing more translated plays to audiences worldwide. Through our wide-ranging activities and initiatives, we actively champion the cultural richness of theatre in translation and emphasise its value and importance in our multicultural society.

Here are the activities we offer to immerse you in more theatre in translation:

We’re committed to nurturing the next generation of theatre translators, providing a range of training programmes and workshops focused on the art of translating for the stage.

Theatre Translator Mentorship:
Since its launch in 2016, the Foreign Affairs Theatre Translator Mentorship (FATT) has been a part-time programme offering mentoring and workshops designed specifically for emerging theatre translators. To date, we have mentored 19 translators, many of whom have gone on to work with or have their work presented at prestigious UK theatres like the Royal Court Theatre, New Earth Theatre, Theatre 503, as well as international venues in Chicago, Ithaca, NY, and Tokyo.

One-off Translation Workshops:
Drawing on our extensive experience of over a decade in developing and producing theatre in translation, we offer engaging one-off translation workshops and masterclasses. These workshops cover a wide range of topics, catering to both beginners looking to dive into the world of theatre translation and experienced practitioners seeking specialised knowledge.

To stay updated on upcoming workshops, please visit our training page.

For personalised inquiries or to book us for a bespoke workshop, feel free to email us at hello@foreignaffairs.org.uk.

We have a deep passion for sharing theatre in translation and regularly organise a variety of events. From readings and showcases to industry gatherings, these events bring together translators, playwrights, theatre professionals and audiences. Our aim is to celebrate, discover and explore the world of theatre in translation.

Recent events include the Theatre Translation Showcase Vol. 5, which marked the culmination of our mentorship programme, a rehearsed reading of The Earth’s Core (Jordens Indre) by Simone Isabel Nørgaard, translated by Paul Russell Garrett, and the Playwriting from Flanders industry event and showcase.

Click here to see our upcoming events.

We never get tired of discussing theatre in translation and eagerly embrace every opportunity to do so. Over the years, we have been invited to present and speak at conferences in the UK and internationally. These include prestigious events such as International Translation Day at the British Library, Brexit Stage Left at the Central School of Speech & Drama, Worldmaking on Stage hosted by Out of the Wings and Language Acts & Worldmaking, as well as ALTA41: Performance, Props, and Platforms organised by the American Literary Translator Association.

If you are interested in booking us for a talk or presentation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@foreignaffairs.org.uk.

theatre beyond borders

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discover new worlds

Help us spread the word and share your memorable experiences of a translated play that has touched your heart and broadened your horizons.

Connect with us on social media using #TheatreBeyondBorders to tell us about the captivating stories, moments of connection and insights that transcended cultural and language barriers. Whether it was a thought-provoking performance or a beautifully translated script, we want to hear about the play that made a lasting impact on you.

Join the conversation and connect with us on the following platforms:

We look forward to hearing your stories and experiences. Let's connect and celebrate theatre in translation together!