The world of literary translation is a fascinating yet often overlooked aspect of the arts. It's a craft that demands immense skill and precision, yet it remains largely invisible to the audience, much like the work of a lighting technician in a theater. Monica Capuani, a leading translator, describes herself and her peers as the 'children of a lesser god,' humbly serving the authors they translate.
In her latest project, Capuani has taken on the challenging task of translating Marina Carr's play Mirandolina, a contemporary reimagining of Carlo Goldoni's La locandiera. This translation project is unique in that it involves a full circle of cultural exchange, with Capuani first translating Goldoni's Italian comedy into English, then Carr adapting and updating it, and finally, Capuani restoring Carr's version back into Italian.
What makes this process particularly intriguing is the interplay between different languages, cultures, and artistic visions. Carr's adaptation, set in modern Dublin, explores the theme of female fear, and Capuani's translation aims to capture the emotional textures and linguistic specificities introduced by Carr while remaining true to the original text.
One of the most captivating aspects of this translation journey is the collaboration between Capuani and Carr. They spent countless hours discussing tiny details, the rhythm of words, and the weight of phrases. Even the actors were impressed by the precision and attention to detail, a testament to the importance of this often-undervalued craft.
The demands of theatrical translation are unique. Unlike literary translation, where readers can pause and reread, theater audiences have no such luxury. The translator must ensure that every word is clear, consistent, and comprehensible, all while disappearing into the background. It's a delicate balance, and one that Capuani argues is systematically undervalued.
This undervaluation of translators is a broader issue that extends beyond the theater. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine translation software, the translation industry is facing new challenges and anxieties. Capuani compares the potential impact of AI on translation to the effect the internet had on journalism, fearing that it could devalue the language and culture.
In a powerful essay, interpreter Sonia Folin argues for the survival of the human translator, emphasizing the need for psychological insight and empathy in certain forms of understanding. This resonates with Capuani's own experience, where a simple linguistic slip during a psychoanalysis session revealed deep emotional associations.
As Mirandolina makes its way to the Abbey Theatre, it serves as a reminder of the vital role translators play in bringing international theater to diverse audiences. It's a craft that demands respect and recognition, and one that enriches our cultural landscape.
