Theatrical Memoirs: Translation of Life Narratives from the Parsi Theatre

FAIN: FA-52281-06

Kathryn G. Hansen
University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX 78712-0100)

I propose to translate the autobiographies of four major figures—performers and playwrights—of the Parsi theatre, a transitional popular art of the colonial period in South Asia. These life narratives offer an unparalleled window into theatrical history. They reveal aspects of apprenticeship, troupe organization, audience reception, and authorship that are not available in other sources. The four annotated, abridged texts in translation will be framed by essays on the use of life narratives in documenting history, the social context of the Parsi theatre, its literary culture, and a comparative reading of the texts. The resulting book will contribute to interdisciplinary studies of history, literature, and performance.