How can we translate theatrical texts that are shaped by multilingualism, migration, colonial continuities, and hybrid identities? What responsibilities do translators bear when plays from African contexts are adapted for the German-speaking theater scene? And how can translation become an artistic and political space for negotiation?
The africologneFESTIVAL invites you to Cologne for a three-day workshop on postcolonial theater translation from October 16–18, 2026. It is aimed at translators, theater professionals, and those interested in cultural policy from North Rhine-Westphalia who wish to explore the unique challenges of translating African and Afro-diasporic drama.
The focus is on theatrical texts by artistsfrom the africologneFESTIVAL community. Participants will work together on issues related to physical expression, orality, cultural context, and the practice of surtitling. BIPOC applicants are especially welcome. as well as people from diverse backgrounds in translation, theater, activism, or cultural criticism. Knowledge of English and French is welcome. Even more important, however, is a willingness to work collectively and to engage critically with language, power, and representation.
On the program: text analysis (individually and in groups), Zoom discussions with the authors, a group trip to a theater performance, and a lecture by experienced translator and surtitler Dr. Yvonne Griesel.
Workshop Facilitators: Dr. Sarah Youssef and Frank Weigand
Dates: October 16, 17, and 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Locations: Orangerie Theater, Volksgartenstr. 25, 50677 Cologne; Studio 38, Holbeinstr. 38, 50733 Cologne; and the africologneFESTIVAL office, Siebachstr. 55, 50733 Cologne.
Participation in the workshop is free of charge. There is a total fee of 30 € for meals and the theater visit.
Registration (by September 15):
ortmeier@africologne.org