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“The advice and help that the Society's staff dispense, and the weight of experience that they can bring to bear, are immensely valuable. A subscription to the Society is the greatest investment any writer can make.”
- Philip Pullman
Martin Sorrell: Playful Translation
Wednesday 25th June 2008
The Cabot Room, The Hawthorns, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UQ
If poetry is among other things about serious word play, then so is its translation. Translations of poems, whether these are light or intense, perhaps need to accomplish two main tasks: one, get behind the words themselves of the original in order to find its sense; and two, exercise in the target language that "controlled freedom" which stands the best chance of rendering that sense. In that way, the translator just may achieve something valuable, a poem in itself, and one that's a respectful reminder of the original. Could we argue that this is what comes closest to fidelity in translation?
Translators have responded in very distinct ways to the challenge of putting French poetry into English. From Oliver Bernard's literal prose accounts of Rimbaud to the free associations of Nicholas Moore's 31 versions of a single Baudelaire poem, we shall enjoy a number of English responses to some significant French poetry. There will be practical exercises, using some intriguing French originals.
Martin Sorrell is an Emeritus Professor at Exeter University. Since the late 1970s, he has been publishing translation of French poetry and drama, and more recently of Spanish poetry too. His books of facing-page translations include a Complete Rimbaud, a Selected Verlaine, a Selected Lorca, all for OUP, and an anthology of modern French poetry by women. His drama translations include three Moliere comedies for Nick Hern Books. He has won two translation prizes. Sorrell also writes original stories for BBC, and received an award for his last radio play.
The cost of the workshop is £7.50 (incl. VAT) and bookings must be made in advance. Contact Sarah Baxter if you would like to book a place.
Start and Finish Times
This workshop will start promptly at 2pm, so please aim to arrive at the venue a few minutes before that. Refreshments will be available on arrival. The workshop will finish at approx 5pm.
How to Find Us
The Hawthorns is part of the University of Bristol, and Woodland Road is close to the City centre. The University website has an excellent map of the area, along with detailed travel information, which can be found at www.bristol.ac.uk/university/maps. Alternatively, please contact Sarah Baxter who will post the information to you.
