There should be more translations: Girish Karnad

Girish Karnad, the noted Kannada playwright and actor who was elected as a World Theatre Ambassador for UNESCO’s Theatre Institute, said that there is a need for more English translations of Indian literature.

“I may write in Kannada but the world only knows me through my English translations,” he said. He also added that he is an exceptional case since he translates his own works to English. He stressed on the importance of good English translations, especially for plays and poetry.  

Girish Karnad, who is a Padma Bhushan winner in 1992, said that translations into English also facilitated further translations into other Indian languages. "In fact, if we are looking for wider audiences we should be looking also at Spanish, French and in the near future, Chinese translations to our plays.”

Karnad expressed surprise at being chosen as Theatre Ambassador and said his role is still unclear. He said, “It would mean participating in international conferences and theatre forums. And it my hope that being in such eminent company will draw the attention of groups who would want to see and produce plays from the region I represent.”

The International Theatre Institute was founded 60 years ago with UNESCO aid to promote an “international exchange of knowledge and practice in theatre arts (drama, dance, music theatre) in order to consolidate peace and friendship…”

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