A short play I co-translated was performed as part of a showcase event of international theatre in translation, in celebration of [Foreign Affairs] theatre company’s 4th anniversary.
The ‘By Invitation Only’ pop-up theatre event was an exciting mash-up of scenes from a selection of classic and contemporary plays. Five of the pieces were brand new translations commissioned by [Foreign Affairs] for the night. See the event programme here.
One of the pieces performed was In the Park, a one-act play by contemporary Russian playwright Ilya Chlaki which I recently translated together with Francisca Everduim.
Who’s Ilya Chlaki?
Chlaki is a Russian playwright who has lived in Germany since 1991. He has more than 40 plays to his name, mostly two-act plays, one-act plays and monologues. At least 12 plays have been translated into German language and his plays have been performed in USA, Germany, Russia, Byelorussia, Bulgaria and Kazakhstan. This performance by [Foreign Affairs] was his UK debut.
More about [Foreign Affairs]
“Moving through translation, pushing boundaries + exploring unconventional venues”
East London’s international theatre company, [Foreign Affairs] is dedicated to presenting works of non-English language origin. [Foreign Affairs] Translates! is a programme for students of translation as well as emerging and established translators, consisting of regular workshops, play readings and ongoing practical support culminating in public events to showcase selected works.
Follow them on Twitter @4nAffairs and using the hashtag #FATranslates
Ruth Ahmedzai Kemp 