Translating western musicals into Chinese: Adapting to the reception

Abstract

Through researching the development and influence of the history and heritage of Chinese opera for over 800 years, this article aims to investigate Chinese opera goers' expectations from and perceptions of the libretti translations of western musicals and what translation strategies might be adopted for Chinese audiences' reception. In light of that tradition, this article argues that, unlike many western opera goers who would put more emphasis on the music and the singing, for Chinese audiences, the poetic and rhyming lyrics in opera are just as important. This theatrical tradition may influence the Chinese translation of western musicals. Using descriptive translation study methods, this article bases its case studies on cover versions of some western musicals that have already been performed in China, such as The Phantom of the Opera and Cats, and discusses the aspects including singability, creativity and intercultural adaptations.