Doctoral Fellow in Research Area 4: "Literary Currencies"

October 2024 – March 2025

Translating Brecht for the Indian Stage: Investigating the Fissures of Intercultural Practices

This research project aims to investigate the distinct translation and adaptation process of selected Brecht plays from the German language and culture to the Hindi language theatre of independent India, using translation as a lens to define and assess the dynamics of the postcolonial theatrical landscape (1960s-90s). This unique interplay between Brechtian theatre and its Hindi translation and adaptation within the broader framework of the postcolonial theatrical landscape foregrounds the creative decisions which were both directly and indirectly influenced by not only social, economic, political and cultural factors but also by the spatiotemporal dimensions in which they unfolded. Through this lens, this project aims to contribute valuable insights into the intricacies of the translation process of Brecht’s plays onto the Hindi stage by documenting the heterogeneous experiences, complexity, nuances and challenges of theatrical translation for performance and multifaceted collaborative efforts. To this end, Anni will analyse translated scripts (found in archives) and interviews conducted by her with selected theatre directors, actors and translators. Her project intends to advance towards a more comprehensive, inclusive and pluralistic comprehension of translation practices within the realm of theatre, thus iterating the need to dismantle the established methods of Eurocentric enquiries into translation. The interdisciplinary approach involving sociocultural dimensions, language politics, translation studies and postcolonial discourse for this study aims not only to scrutinise and analyse the technical and artistic aspects of translating Brecht for the Hindi stage but also to delve into the sociopolitical dimensions that shape and are shaped by theatrical expressions.

Snehal Anni is a PhD candidate in theatre and performance studies. She completed her BA and MA in English literature from the University of Delhi and was an Assistant Professor of English literature at Zakir Husain Delhi College, University of Delhi. Her research deals with the documentation of the translation and adaptation process of selected Brecht plays in the postcolonial Hindi language theatrical landscape (1960s-90s).