Translation of ‘Performability’ in the English Translations of Park Jo-yeol’s O Chang-gun’s Toenail

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the nature of ‘performability’ in drama translation by comparing Bruce and Ju-chan Fulton’s 1990 and 2009 translations of Jo-yeol Park’s seminal play, O Chang-gun’s Toenail. The analytical comparison of these two different translations done by the same translators demonstrates how the changes in the new translation reflect the more active incorporation of theatrical elements for performance purpose, and how much justification these changes could generate in identifying them as elements of ‘performability’ in drama translation. While the term ‘performability’ itself often becomes subject to controversy, its main function is to provide a drama text with more ‘performable’ elements on the stage. This study has found that effective modification of stage directions, enhanced colloquiality, and emphasis on register are the key facets of the changes between the two translations, which is a reflection of the translators’ intention to enhance ‘performability’. These changes not only transform the revised translation into a more professionally playable theater text with theatrical protocols, but also stress the colloquiality of the dialogue for the sake of actors' effective articulation on the stage.