Faculty Spotlight: Lauren Wolfe, Paige Sweet, and Miranda Trimmier on Writing, Translation, and the Uses of Theory

In this episode of Faculty Spotlight, Lauren K. Wolfe, Paige Sweet, and Miranda Trimmier sit down to discuss BISR Practicum—the exciting new program they’re spearheading this September (Lauren will be leading a Practicum on Literary Translation, Paige and Miranda on Creative-Critical Writing)—and what it means to combine theory and creative practice. The three talk about why literary work is not a solitary pursuit, and where, in the creative process, “theory” comes in. Also discussed: the task of the translator, and when, in the history of translation, its complexity began to be theorized; the reactionary ideal of the perfectly preservable past; the emergence and uses of autotheory; and how writers like Saidiya Hartman, Raquel Gutiérrez, Renee Gladman, and Nuar Alsadir (among others), model, in their works, the integration of theory and lived experience.

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This episode of Faculty Spotlight was produced by Ryan Lentini. If you like what you’ve heard, consider supporting the podcast by becoming a BISR member or subscribing to Brooklyn Institute’s Patreon page.