Surtitling for the Stage and Directors's Attitudes: Room for Change.

Filmmakers; Opera; Theater; Performing arts; Dramatic music

Providing surtitles for live performances such as opera or theatre is complex at best. One might argue even impossible in some cases. This contribution explores the obstacles encountered in producing this new translation mode and also challenges the belief that many directors hold that surtitles are disruptive and undermine the quality of their work. To some extent, this belief is based on facts but it is also due to ignorance about the versatility of this young translation mode and directors' unwillingness to work with the surtitlers or the surtitling team (Griesel 2008). The present contribution will first provide an introduction to the main features of surtitles. This will be followed by an outline of the specific challenges that surtitling poses. Finally, a brief overview of the people involved in the production process will provide additional insights into the main focus of the contribution: the production process of surtitles. How can this process be optimised? And what is the role of the director in the production process? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]