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(women never get anything done in large groups because they gossip)
Translating plays into different cultures and languages is difficult because it changes in the main aspects of the play. I believe the adaptation of Les Belles Soeurs in Amharic for Ethiopian Theatre is perfect because this play will showcase the reality of women, while retaining the original message of the play. Les Belles Soeurs was produced during The Quiet Revolution, a wave of feminism, similar to the current state of Ethiopia as the political structure is changing and allowing women to hold positions of power.
For over 90 years, theatre has been an important cultural form in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia (Ashagrie 2012).
In Ethiopian theatre, there are issues surrounding the lack of representation and empowerment for women. According to (Yeshitila 2010) most of Ethiopian stage plays consist of realistic forms of comedic, historical, tragic, musical or melodramatic performances that represent problems in everyday life. This includes problems with romance, family drama, and political viewpoints.
They prioritize spoken performances, thus leaving nothing to be expressed visually or physically.
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Stage scenes are set with highly elaborated props; events and characters are dressed in traditional costumes, sound, and lighting.
Often stage plays focus on the lives of men, women are the nurturing and supportive partners as the spotlight is occupied by men. I believe transporting this classic stage play to the current situation of Ethiopia is beneficial because most of the concerns raised in Les Belles Soeurs relate to Ethiopians today. Women are expected to be housewives, "I work.
I slave. I kill myself for my pack of morons" (13). This is important for the adaptation because it is a chorus and signifies that this tragedy is a reality for several women.
Majority of the Ethiopian population believes in Christianity, " I grew up in church basements and I want to see other things" (77). Religion plays a big role in the development of the society and individuals who go against the written word are criticized, " you're going to lose your soul. Tell me you won't go back" (77). Similar to Les Belles Soeurs courageous individuals who step out of the norm are ostracized for their actions.
Pregnancy without wedlock is considered an abomination, " I'm so depressed! I haven't told my parents yet. My father'll kill me, I know he will" (87). Females are often disowned and blamed for the actions of two people. It is very difficult for Ethiopian women to present themselves in certain ways because the behavior of men is always justified " she's been looking for it, too. Look how she dresses" (99).
I would have to translate the play into Amharic and change some of the sayings because direct translation would not make sense. I will highlight messages the play sends about identity, generation gap, materialism, jealousy and keep the use of informal language but change Joual to working-class Amharic. To represent Ethiopian culture the characters will dress in traditional costumes...·.....Les Belles Soeurs would benefit greatly from an adaptation in Amharic because it will gain various audiences across the continent, and the work of Tremblay will keep spreading and influencing more people across the world.
Les Belles Soeurs for Ethiopian Theatre. (2019, Nov 25). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/les-belles-soeurs-for-ethiopian-theatre-essay
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