Wat kry sy toe, die afrikaanse kultuur, uit die skat van Bertolt Brecht

Abstract

In this article the concept originality is questioned and it is argued that the translator of cabaret, as sender number two of the message, has to adapt the message for the new communication situation, and that as the 'original' text ages and changes it calls for new translations. Some of Aucamp's translations of Bertolt Brecht are studied in the light of the above and the conclusion is reached that he succeeds in re leasing "in his own language that pure language which is under the spell of another" (Benjamin quoted in Johnston, 1992:44).This article is based on a paper that was read on October, 21 1994 at the "Slegs vir almal' conference that was held at RAU, Johannesburg, to celebrate Aucamp's sixtieth birth day.