Death of a Salesman: From Page to Stage

Abstract

Considering the original dramatic text Death of a Salesman, the objective of the present research is to study and analyze different modes of adaptation carried out advancing from Persian page translations toward its considered stage performance. Using Ladoucer’s (1995) model for the translation of drama texts, the Persian (audiovisual) stage performance and the two published Persian page translations involved, were analyzed so that the cases of alteration were identified and compared with/to one another. The results of the study revealed that in the case of page translation, alterations were carried out mostly due to linguistic and cultural mismatches and for the sake of the target readership. On the other hand, in the theatrical system, the alterations could be observed at a higher level in the form of freer adaptations, where not only the linguistic and cultural mismatches, but also the style and creativity of the theatre members, especially those of the director are involved. Thus, in the context of the theatrical production, different modes of adaptation are carried out when the authority of the theatre producer along with the value, taste, and interest of the theatre goers are to be taken into account.