Leggendo le Ecclesiazuse di Umberto Albini

This paper explores Albini’s translation of Assemblywomen against the background of his own critical work on Aristophanes. In particular, a little-known contribution construes the play as a mosaic combining five different strands of humour: scatology, the absurd, bitter satire, liberating sex, gastronomic exuberance. Accordingly, this chapter examines a sample of translation corresponding to each of the five categories, with a view to assessing Albini’s choices with respect to other translations. Unlike most Italian translators, who tend to (over?)emphasise Aristophanes’ highbrow and sombre overtones, Albini stands out for his ability in appreciating and rendering Aristophanes’ bonhomie and popular comedy. This is especially fortunate insofar as Assemblywomen, unlike earlier plays, overtly recognises the importance of catering to the audience at large.