: creative sessions
Looking for a collaborative space to explore theatre translation? Join us to connect with fellow translators and workshop your ideas in a supportive environment.
Our Collaborative Practice sessions provide a supportive, in-person space for translators to connect, exchange ideas and refine their work. Whether you’re bringing a text-in-progress, tackling a tricky translation challenge or simply want to engage in discussion, this is an opportunity to develop your practice alongside peers.
Led by Trine Garrett or an FA Associate Translator, these sessions are shaped by the participants—allowing us to explore work-in-progress translations, problem-solve challenges, and refine our approaches together. With over ten years of experience sharing world theatre—including nine UK/world premieres and contributions to over 30 new English translations—we’re excited to share our journey and insights with you!
Below, you’ll find all the details about the session. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Thursday 3 April
Thursday 1 May
Thursday 5 June
10:30-13:30
Arrival with tea, coffee and refreshments from 10:30.
Wrap-up and networking from 13:00 to 13:30.
Rose Lipman Building
43 De Beauvoir Road
N1 5SQ
details
What We’ll Be Doing:
These informal, open sessions are shaped by the participants and the texts they bring. Whether you have a work-in-progress, a specific translation challenge, or simply want to engage in discussion, this is a space to explore, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow theatre translators.
You can:
- Workshop a Draft – Share an extract (up to 10 minutes) for discussion and feedback.
- Bring a Challenge – Present a tricky translation challenge for group problem-solving.
- Join the Conversation – Even if you’re not sharing work, participate by offering feedback and insights.
Takeaways:
- Fresh perspectives and insights to refine your translation practice.
- Practical strategies for tackling translation challenges.
- A network of peers to share knowledge and collaborate with.
How It Works
- Flexible Format – The session will respond to the needs of the group, with space for both structured feedback and free-flowing discussion.
- Small Group Setting – Capped at 8-10 participants to ensure meaningful exchange.
- Peer-Led & Collaborative – We’ll guide the sessions using frameworks and exercises designed to respond to the needs of the group. This structure encourages discussion, experimentation, and collective problem-solving.
Who It’s For:
The Theatre Translation Lab is designed for experienced theatre translators—whether you’ve translated one play or several—and those actively working in theatre translation.
If you’re just starting out, these sessions might not be the best fit. We recommend exploring some of our introductory workshops instead.
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
We have three sessions planned on the following dates:
Thursday 3 April, 10:30-13:30
Thursday 1 May, 10:30-13:30
Thursday 5 June, 10:30-13:30
Schedule
10:30-11:00: Arrival & Refreshements
11:00-13:00: Work Session (including a 10-minute break)
13:00-13:30: Wrap-Up & Networking
Before and after each session everyone will have time to connect, reflect, and ease in and out of the session. We’ll also be around to chat all things theatre and translation.
How Much It Costs
Thanks to the generous support of the TNL Community Fund and Arts Council England, this session is free of charge. However, if you’re able to, we’d greatly 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 team@foreignaffairs.org.uk.
faq - theatre translation lab
General
1. What will we be doing during the sessions?
You’ll engage in readings, facilitated peer-to-peer feedback processes, and creative problem-solving exercises rooted in our creative practice.
The sessions are highly interactive, and you’ll be encouraged to actively 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 sessions run from 11:00 to 13:00, with a 10-minute break. We’ll start at 10:30 with time to arrive, grab refreshments, and settle in. At 13:00, we’ll wrap up with some networking and casual conversation until 13:30. For a detailed breakdown, please refer to the schedule above.
3. Where are the sessions taking place?
The sessions 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 when the temperatures drop, 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 a bottle of water, along with snacks (if you, like us, get the munchies in the late morning). If you prefer to work on digital devices, that’s also welcome (tablet, laptop, etc.).
5. What languages will be used in the sessions?
Our Theatre Translation Lab: Collaborative Practice sessions are open to translators working from all languages, but we mainly focus on translators working into English and within a UK theatre context.
Who Can Attend?
1. Who is this Theatre Translation Lab: Collaborative Practice for?
These sessions are best suited for those with some experience in theatre translation. If you’re new to the field, we recommend checking out our introductory workshops.
Practical Details
1. How can I sign up for the session?
Simply click the sign-up button on this page to register! During sign-up, you’ll be asked whether you’d like to bring a translation extract, a challenge, or just attend (see ‘How It Works’ above for more details).
Feel free to sign up for multiple sessions, but please keep our booking policy in mind (see below).
2. Is there any accessibility support for the session?
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.
2. What if I arrive late?
We strongly encourage arriving on time so you can get the most out of the experience. If you’re running late, please let us know in advance if possible. We know things happen, so don’t stress—we’ll find a way to catch you up.
A few days before the session, we’ll send you details, including how to get in touch, so you know who to reach out to if needed.
4. Will food be provided?
As this is a short session, we won’t break for lunch, but you’re welcome to bring a snack. We’ll have tea, coffee, fruit, and biscuits available. There are also plenty of nearby places where you can grab something before or after the session.
5. Why is this session free?
This workshop is part of a series funded by the TNL Community Fund and Arts Council England.
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.
Attendance & Booking Policies
1. What if I can’t make it for the whole session? Can I still attend part of the session?
This session is designed as a complete experience, and we expect participants to commit to the entire session. If you’re unable to attend the full duration, we recommend waiting for a future opportunity when you can fully participate.
2. What if I can no longer make it?
We understand that plans change. If you need to cancel, please do so as soon as possible via the booking page or by emailing team@foreignaffairs.org.uk. This helps us offer your spot to someone on the waiting list.
3. What happens if I book but don’t show up?
As spaces are limited and the workshops are free, we ask for a firm commitment when booking. If you miss a session without canceling in advance, you may lose the opportunity to book future sessions this term. If you’ve booked multiple workshops, we may cancel your other bookings.
We often have a waiting list, so please let us know as soon as possible if you can’t attend, so someone else can take your place.
4. How many people can attend?
Our sessions have limited capacity, and spaces often fill up quickly. If a session is full, you can join the waiting list, and we’ll let you know if a spot becomes available.
What’s Next?
1. Is there any follow-up or further opportunities after the session?
Absolutely! We run a series of workshops throughout the year. After the morning Creative Practice sessions, we also offer Theatre Translation Workshops (in the afternoon), which you’re welcome to sign up for.
You can find more information on upcoming sessions and workshops as part of our Spring/Summer Season 2025 here.
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