Their production, A Fight Against… (Una lucha contra…), was a starting point for a conversation on the challenges and possibilities of making theatre in translation. The show premiered at the Royal Court in 2022 and was a translation of the Chilean playwright’s work Pablo Manzi.

18 participants from various background and disciplines – including playwrights, producers, translators, designer, and directors – gathered at Marylebone Theatre. We were delighted with the linguistic diversity in the room, with languages and dialects ranging from Moroccan Arabic and Spanish to Hebrew, Indonesian, and German.

William Gregory had translated A Fight Against from the original Spanish by Pablo Manzi, and on reflecting on language choices he noted that the word ‘parco’ in Spanish had been translated to ‘reserved’ in the English script. Sam and William invited participants to share their language’s closest translation of the word “reserved,” sparking insightful discussions about the nuanced differences in meaning and context across cultures. In some languages, the term “reserved” also means “impermeable,” while in others it carries connotations of being “bland” or “boring.” This exploration highlighted how the act of translating words can serve as a powerful way to understanding diverse experiences and interactions across countries, continents, and cultures.

Next, they presented two different textual translation from a scene in A Fight Against… featuring a conversation between a character and a bouncer outside a bar. We examined two different translations of the dialogue, exploring how different translations from the same source text can radically alter the meaning and emotional tone of the scene. A brief reenactment of the dialogue invited us to consider the cultural nuances of a partygoer addressing a bouncer as ‘mate’, translated from the original Spanish (‘Amigo’ ). Does it suggest camaraderie, a yearning for connection, or something else entirely?

The entire evening was a vibrant exchange of ideas and connections, capturing the very essence of the Gateways programme.

The Gate has always been committed to showcasing international theatre. This masterclass was a testament to the powerful possibilities that open when we share stories, particularly across linguistic and cultural divides.

Our next masterclass takes place on Wednesday 10th June. It will be led by Milli Bhatia and Sonali Bhattacharyya. The masterclasss will offer a deep dive into the creative journey behind their 2023 production, King Troll (The Fawn) – a political horror produced by Kali Theatre and New Diorama, and finalist of the 2023 Women’s Prize for Playwriting. Using the production as a model, the workshop will explore how horror can be effectively developed for the stage.

Find out more about Gateways here