Writing, Creativity and Translation

To accompany European Literature Night – a celebration of literature from across the continent - this panel discussion will explore the role of translation in European fiction. Leading European writers and translators will discuss the relationship between these different literary roles, and the potential for collaboration and creativity in the act of translation. Issues of literary distribution and reception will also be addressed alongside discussion of translation strategies, market considerations and reader expectations.

In partnership with the Open University

Jordi Punti: one of the most promising new voices of contemporary Catalan literature; and a translator of numerous works including texts by Daniel Pennac, Amélie Nothomb and Paul Auster; supported by Instituto Ramon Llull

Birgit Vanderbeke: one of Germany’s most successful literary authors; supported by Peirene Press and the Goethe Institute

Jamie Bulloch: historian and professional translator from German; translator of Das Muschelessen – The Mussel Feast – by Birgit Vanderbeke; supported by Peirene Press and the Goethe Institute

Miha Mazzini: best-selling Slovene writer, screen writer and director; supported by Beletrina Press and the Slovene Embassy

Maja Visenjak Limon: translator from Slovenian into English; supported by Beletrina Press and the Slovene Embassy

Fiona Doloughan (Chair): Lecturer in English (Literature and Creative Writing), Dept. of English, The Open University 

Jordi Punti, Birgit Vanderbeke and Miha Mazzini will also be speaking at European Literature Night – tickets for this event need to be booked separately. 

Presented in partnership with EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) London, the European Commission Representation in the UK and Speaking Volumes Live Literature Productions.