ABSTRACT
In the history of world theatre, most plays were not written or performed in English. Over the decades, key achievements in international drama have found their way into English through translations, adaptations and appropriations. Some playwrights have done well: Anglophone readers and audiences have a choice of English Ibsens, Strindbergs and Chekhovs to consume. However, other achievements are less generously represented. Interestingly, this is particularly the case with French dramatists. There have, of course, been numerous Molières in English over the years, but later figures of French theatre are less prominently translated. The French stage offers a rich mine of material and my own research in translation and theatrical practice has explored and unearthed notable works of French theatre for the English eye and ear. In particular, in this chapter I will investigate three manifestations of French theatre from a personal, practical perspective: Victor Hugo, the Grand-Guignol and Octave Mirbeau.
