Writing forward: an introduction

This introductory chapter situates the present volume against the existing reflection on translation for performance, focusing in particular on the concept of “writing forward”, proposed by the eminent translator David Johnston; a concept that offers one of the most useful, credible, and compelling contributions to the debates around theatre translation. It also outlines the contents of the collection: an extended conversation between David Johnston and Lawrence Venuti is followed by thirteen critical essays grouped into three parts, “Extending translation”, “Translating for theatre”, and Translation and creativity”, and a short play by Juan Mayorga written especially for this volume.