Multilingualism, Altermodernism, Translation and Contemporary Performing Arts

This essay explores the theoretical foundations of multilingualism and the transcending of cultural and linguistic boundaries in contemporary drama and theatre. Drawing on Nicolas Bourriaud’s concept of altermodernism—defined as the ongoing reconfiguration of modernity in a globalized context through movement across time, space, and medium—it examines how theatre navigates issues of translation, identity, and intercultural dialogue. Arguing for a cross-cultural, dialogical approach, the essay proposes that contemporary theatre can embody a cosmopolitan ethos and embrace otherness, fostering equality among artistic languages. In this context, theatre enhances its translatability without compromising its distinctive aesthetic and cultural identity.

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