Disseminating Bene in the Anglosphere

Abstract

In this paper, the two authors introduce their project of translating Carmelo Bene’s oeuvre into English. The essay highlights the relevance of his accomplishments to contemporary debates in aesthetics and stresses the importance of disseminating his multifaceted works in the Anglosphere. After retracing the main stages of Bene’s career in theatre, literature, film, and music, the authors illustrate how Benean production particularly reshapes the concept and practice of Western performance, justifying their decision to begin the translation project with his theatrical works.