Beyond performance: spanish audiovisual translations of The Crucible

Abstract

The systems of theatrical production and cinematographic production are closely intertwined. Various English-language plays from the 20th century have been adapted for the cinema, and their Spanish audiovisual translations add new links to the textual chains deriving from these works for the theatre. This study first provides an overview of film adaptations of plays introduced in Spain under Francoist censorship, before turning to The Crucible. Linguistic decisions that shaped the textual chain of this play, including those related to the censored performance-oriented translation, the American film, the dubbing, and the subtitles, are examined. Particular attention is paid to language relating to topics deemed controversial by censors - mainly concerning religion, sexual morals and politics - and how they are rendered in the theatre and audiovisual translations. From this perspective, the extent to which the translated film constituted a different approach to this classic story for Spanish audiences is explored.