Tłumacz na tropie, czyli o ruchu scenicznym w Phormio (wersy 981–989) Terencjusza
Translator on Trail: Stage Movement in Terence’s Phormio (lines 981–982)

Summary/Abstract: Translating drama requires not only knowledge of the elements constituting the play’s world and of the theatrical conventions of the author’s epoch, but it frequently entails also a reconstruction of the original performance. Such is usually the case with classical tragedies and comedies that – created as performances – initially had no textual form. In order to understand, interpret and translate such plays it is necessary to recreate the stage construction and setting, as well as the stage movement and proxemics. Taking as an example a passage from Terence’s Phormio, or the Scheming Parasite, the article presents results of such a reconstruction. The mere fact of understanding the manuscript (stage 1) does not guarantee the right interpretation that might result in a relevant translation. One has to consider also the opinions of editors and commentators (stage 2), psychological realism of the characters (stage 3), and the potential for a convincing staging of the text (stage 4). Only these four aspects considered jointly can ensure a proper translation of the analysed passage.

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