Luigi Marchionni traduttore, adattatore e dramaturg

The essay examines the work of Luigi Marchionni (1792-1864) as a translator and adapter of foreign theatrical plays. Marchionni, brother of the better-known Carlotta, combined throughout his long career the roles of actor, playwright, translator, and adapter, becoming one of the most sought-after actor-translators in early 19th-century Italy. This study, based on an analysis of manuscript scripts and a comparison with numerous 19th-century printed editions, sheds light on his working methods, which reflect the common practice of adapting plays ‘for Italian stages’. At the same time, the analysis reveals previously overlooked qualities that position him as a cultural mediator, closely resembling the figure of the German and European dramaturg, of which he may be considered one of the earliest Italian examples.