Theatre translation in Iran: a historical overview

In this paper, we provide a critical overview of the crucial role played by translation in the emergence and formation of Western-style theatre in Iran and its relevance to the sociopolitical conditions within Iranian society, from its early years in the Qajar era (1869) to the revolution period (1979). The influence of Western culture grew rapidly in the country, and theatrical productions during the reign of the Qajar kings constituted the first efforts to transfer a considerable body of Western plays into Persian. Free translation or adaptation marked the beginning of the arrival of Western theatre in Iran to meet the needs of the audience. The establishment of the constitutional revolution (1945) and the National Theatre (1950) were most strikingly characterised by their strict adherence to original content. Since the 1950s, translated plays have become popular and Persian plays have adopted Western styles. Influential practitioners (mostly translators and directors) studied in Europe, focusing on the sociopolitical enlightenment, and devising modern performance modes.