Identity and Theatre Translation in Hong Kong

In this book, Shelby Chan examines the relationship between theatre translation and identity construction against the sociocultural background that has led to the popularity of translated theatre in Hong Kong. When the idea of home, often assumed to be the basis for identity, becomes blurred for historical, political and sociocultural reasons, people may come to feel “homeless” and compelled to look for alternative means to develop the Self. In theatre translation, Hongkongers have found a source of inspiration to nurture their identity and expand their “home” territory. To chart the development of translated theatre, a statistical analysis is presented, establishing a correlation between its popularity and major sociopolitical trends. By exploring the translation strategies of various theatre practitioners in Hong Kong, Chan also analyses a number of foreign plays and their stage renditions. The focus is not only on the textual and discursive transfers but also on the different ways in which the people of Hong Kong perceive their identity in the performances.