A New Translation
Translated by Phantom's Theater Staff
Le Fantôme de l'Opéra
by Gaston Leroux
Translated by Phantom's Theater Staff
Le Fantôme de l'Opéra
by Gaston Leroux
Our translation will be featured on Zariya Hollow: A Horror Anthology Podcast, in Dec 2023 as a 4 part radio drama with original music. Stay up to date @ v
Updated Nov 25, 2023
~ Translation is done, Edit mode~
(Estimated finish date, 2024-2025, check back for more details)
Editing, reviving appendix and illustration are next as well as a radio drama.
~ Translation is done, Edit mode~
(Estimated finish date, 2024-2025, check back for more details)
Editing, reviving appendix and illustration are next as well as a radio drama.
Why another translation?
Well, I am glad you asked. Currently, as it sits there are 6 different English translations (you can view the differences and by whom here). We the staff at Phantomstheater have read every English translation as well as the original publication in 'Le Gaulois', the original French novel and other translations in other languages. This is also the first time the 'Le Gaulois' version has been available (in English), outside the first translation in Spanish (1910). We have been asked many times which translation is the best. Well, no translation is completely unabridged even though they may claim to be, meaning some take out sentences they deem unworthy or are too hard to translate, or even racy, while others take out whole scenes that are very important to the story. There is also a lot of mistakes that were made in each. Some mistakes are even deliberate, as well as liberties were taken in some translations. I also question some translators' motives which sometimes become apparent when reading it side by side with the original French. Most translators, don't even believe the story was based on truth, right down to complete and utter denial of Leroux stating the "Opera Phantom of the Opera really existed".
Why is this important?
Well, because, it affects the amount of work and research and mood of the translation. The Phantom's Theater staff all collectively believe the Phantom of the Opera was at least based on facts and real people, and we have proof. This we believe breathes fresh life into these characters which is often missing. The story has been accused of being stale or old hat or even boring. That is most likely because you read the worst translation by de Mattos which is what most adaptations are based off of including ALW's musical. This is also why Christine is seen as week and sometimes stupid. Believe me she is anything but in the original French. In truth, there isn't a perfect translation from the French, that keeps Leroux's humor, poetry and voice, while retaining the integrity of the characters within. As well there really isn't a very accurately illustrated translation either. Some have strange mistakes such as illustrating Erik with red eyes instead of yellow. We hope to remedy all of this.
What we aim to do with this translation
We aim to make the most accurate, complete, comprehensive and enjoyable version for Phans. Over 7 years of work and over 25 years worth of research has gone into this new translation. Collectively you have historians, translators, artists, musicians, composers, architects, theater techs, actors, singers, native French speakers, world travelers, years of study of Victorian colloquials, etymologists and old school Phans working on a complete and illustrated translation perfect for your collection. All of these things combined gives us a unique perspective I believe. At no time has this much effort gone into one English translation of Leroux and believe me he deserves it. This was done in love and not for gain, as we well know we will never get back the amount we put into this. That wasn't the point. This is strictly a labor of love, a kind of swan song, or Magnum Opus if you will. Our hope is you will enjoy this 2 book set as much as we did in creating it. And so the staff of Phantom's theater is proud to announce a two-book compendium. The translation is done by the staff at Phantomstheater.weebly.com,
Sylentfantome,
Masked Lion,
Aryeh Bagheri
Other Staff members who wish to remain anonymous
Editors: Duke, Lisa G, Lisa Maria
Well, I am glad you asked. Currently, as it sits there are 6 different English translations (you can view the differences and by whom here). We the staff at Phantomstheater have read every English translation as well as the original publication in 'Le Gaulois', the original French novel and other translations in other languages. This is also the first time the 'Le Gaulois' version has been available (in English), outside the first translation in Spanish (1910). We have been asked many times which translation is the best. Well, no translation is completely unabridged even though they may claim to be, meaning some take out sentences they deem unworthy or are too hard to translate, or even racy, while others take out whole scenes that are very important to the story. There is also a lot of mistakes that were made in each. Some mistakes are even deliberate, as well as liberties were taken in some translations. I also question some translators' motives which sometimes become apparent when reading it side by side with the original French. Most translators, don't even believe the story was based on truth, right down to complete and utter denial of Leroux stating the "Opera Phantom of the Opera really existed".
Why is this important?
Well, because, it affects the amount of work and research and mood of the translation. The Phantom's Theater staff all collectively believe the Phantom of the Opera was at least based on facts and real people, and we have proof. This we believe breathes fresh life into these characters which is often missing. The story has been accused of being stale or old hat or even boring. That is most likely because you read the worst translation by de Mattos which is what most adaptations are based off of including ALW's musical. This is also why Christine is seen as week and sometimes stupid. Believe me she is anything but in the original French. In truth, there isn't a perfect translation from the French, that keeps Leroux's humor, poetry and voice, while retaining the integrity of the characters within. As well there really isn't a very accurately illustrated translation either. Some have strange mistakes such as illustrating Erik with red eyes instead of yellow. We hope to remedy all of this.
What we aim to do with this translation
We aim to make the most accurate, complete, comprehensive and enjoyable version for Phans. Over 7 years of work and over 25 years worth of research has gone into this new translation. Collectively you have historians, translators, artists, musicians, composers, architects, theater techs, actors, singers, native French speakers, world travelers, years of study of Victorian colloquials, etymologists and old school Phans working on a complete and illustrated translation perfect for your collection. All of these things combined gives us a unique perspective I believe. At no time has this much effort gone into one English translation of Leroux and believe me he deserves it. This was done in love and not for gain, as we well know we will never get back the amount we put into this. That wasn't the point. This is strictly a labor of love, a kind of swan song, or Magnum Opus if you will. Our hope is you will enjoy this 2 book set as much as we did in creating it. And so the staff of Phantom's theater is proud to announce a two-book compendium. The translation is done by the staff at Phantomstheater.weebly.com,
Sylentfantome,
Masked Lion,
Aryeh Bagheri
Other Staff members who wish to remain anonymous
Editors: Duke, Lisa G, Lisa Maria
What will be Included
Book 1, the finished translation with illustrations
(will include)
• introductions
• dedication
• pronunciation guide
• finalized new translation (which aims to be the most accurate and complete translation available)
• illustrations (done by Phantomstheater)
Book 2, the 3 part comparative, complete compendium guide, & appendix
(will include side by side comparisons of)
• original French Newspaper publication in Le Gaulois 1909-1910 (Omitted text add back in)
• original French novel 1910
• original English translation by Alexander Teixeiros de Mattos 1911
• for the first time ever the proper pronouns are used for the Angel of Music
• Phantom's theater new translation (which aims to be the most accurate and complete translation available)
• Maps and diagrams
• The most extensive appendix ever done at the back of the book, annotation and compendium guide to the history behind the characters, music, operas and the story. Currently over 300 pages, illustrations and photos.
• Bonus: missing chapter from Le Gaulois publication “L'enveloppe magique/ The Magic Envelope”
(will include)
• introductions
• dedication
• pronunciation guide
• finalized new translation (which aims to be the most accurate and complete translation available)
• illustrations (done by Phantomstheater)
Book 2, the 3 part comparative, complete compendium guide, & appendix
(will include side by side comparisons of)
• original French Newspaper publication in Le Gaulois 1909-1910 (Omitted text add back in)
• original French novel 1910
• original English translation by Alexander Teixeiros de Mattos 1911
• for the first time ever the proper pronouns are used for the Angel of Music
• Phantom's theater new translation (which aims to be the most accurate and complete translation available)
• Maps and diagrams
• The most extensive appendix ever done at the back of the book, annotation and compendium guide to the history behind the characters, music, operas and the story. Currently over 300 pages, illustrations and photos.
• Bonus: missing chapter from Le Gaulois publication “L'enveloppe magique/ The Magic Envelope”
Planned (coming soon)
Illustrations
Audiobook
Radio drama : Zariya Hollow (producing) - A Ghost in the Opera House "Phantom of the Opera" Dec 2023 (Preview)
Illustrations
Audiobook
Radio drama : Zariya Hollow (producing) - A Ghost in the Opera House "Phantom of the Opera" Dec 2023 (Preview)
The translation is done and is in edit mode
Appendix 95% done Edit mode
Forward~(2017) Edited Newspaper(2023)
1. Is it the Phantom~(2018) Edited Newspaper(2023)
2. The New Marguerite~(2018) Edited Newspaper(2023)
3....The mysterious reason...~(2018) Edited Newspaper(2023)
4.Box Five~(2018) Edited Newspaper(2023)
5.Box Five (continued)~(2019) Edited Newspaper(2023)
6.The Enchanted Violin~(2019) Edited Newspaper(2023)
7.Visit to Box Five~ Edited Newspaper(2023)
8.Audacity to Put “Faust” on in a House With a “Curse” Upon it ~(2020) Edited Newspaper (2023)
9.The Mysterious Coach~ (2020) Edited Newspaper(2023)
10.At the Masked Ball~(2020) Edited Newspaper (2023)
11.The Magic Envelope~(2020) Edited (2023 Sep 16)
12.You must forget the name of "the man's voice"~(2021), Edited Newspaper (2023 Sep 16-)
13.Above the Trapdoors~(2021) Edited Newspaper (Sep 2023)
14.Apollo's Lyre~ (2009), (2015-April 3, 2021, first edit) Edited Newspaper (Oct 1 2023--Nov 21 2023)
15.The Master-Stroke Of The lover of Trapdoor~ (April 6, 2021, first edit) Edited Newspaper (Nov 24 2023)
16.The Peculiar Behavior of a Safety-pin~ (April 12, 2021)
17. 'Christine! Christine!'~ (April 30, 2021)
18.Astonishing Revelations of Mme. Giry ~ (May 7, 2021; May 2022) Edited Newspaper(2023)
19.Continuation of the Peculiar Behavior of a Safety-pin~ (May 17, 2021) Edited Newspaper(2023)
20. The Police Commissioner, the Viscount and the Persian ~ (June 29, 2021) Edited Newspaper(2023)
21.The Vicomte and the Persian~ (July 10, 2021) Edited Newspaper(2023)
22.In the Underground of the Opera~ (Sep 4, 2021) Edited Newspaper(2023)
23.Tribulations of a Persian in the underground (Sep 4, 2022) Edited Newspaper(2023)
24.In the Torture Chamber (Continuation) the Persian’s Account (June 7, 2022) Edited Newspaper(2023)
25.“Barrels! Barrels! Do you have any barrels to sell?” (July 5, 2022) Edited Newspaper(2023)
26.Shall We Turn the Scorpion? Or the Grasshopper? (July 7, 2022) Edited Newspaper(2023)
27.End of the Phantom’s love~ (2009) Edited (2023)
Epilogue~ (2010-2023) Edited (2023)
[Appendix updated]
[Editing]
Appendix 95% done Edit mode
Forward~(2017) Edited Newspaper(2023)
1. Is it the Phantom~(2018) Edited Newspaper(2023)
2. The New Marguerite~(2018) Edited Newspaper(2023)
3....The mysterious reason...~(2018) Edited Newspaper(2023)
4.Box Five~(2018) Edited Newspaper(2023)
5.Box Five (continued)~(2019) Edited Newspaper(2023)
6.The Enchanted Violin~(2019) Edited Newspaper(2023)
7.Visit to Box Five~ Edited Newspaper(2023)
8.Audacity to Put “Faust” on in a House With a “Curse” Upon it ~(2020) Edited Newspaper (2023)
9.The Mysterious Coach~ (2020) Edited Newspaper(2023)
10.At the Masked Ball~(2020) Edited Newspaper (2023)
11.The Magic Envelope~(2020) Edited (2023 Sep 16)
12.You must forget the name of "the man's voice"~(2021), Edited Newspaper (2023 Sep 16-)
13.Above the Trapdoors~(2021) Edited Newspaper (Sep 2023)
14.Apollo's Lyre~ (2009), (2015-April 3, 2021, first edit) Edited Newspaper (Oct 1 2023--Nov 21 2023)
15.The Master-Stroke Of The lover of Trapdoor~ (April 6, 2021, first edit) Edited Newspaper (Nov 24 2023)
16.The Peculiar Behavior of a Safety-pin~ (April 12, 2021)
17. 'Christine! Christine!'~ (April 30, 2021)
18.Astonishing Revelations of Mme. Giry ~ (May 7, 2021; May 2022) Edited Newspaper(2023)
19.Continuation of the Peculiar Behavior of a Safety-pin~ (May 17, 2021) Edited Newspaper(2023)
20. The Police Commissioner, the Viscount and the Persian ~ (June 29, 2021) Edited Newspaper(2023)
21.The Vicomte and the Persian~ (July 10, 2021) Edited Newspaper(2023)
22.In the Underground of the Opera~ (Sep 4, 2021) Edited Newspaper(2023)
23.Tribulations of a Persian in the underground (Sep 4, 2022) Edited Newspaper(2023)
24.In the Torture Chamber (Continuation) the Persian’s Account (June 7, 2022) Edited Newspaper(2023)
25.“Barrels! Barrels! Do you have any barrels to sell?” (July 5, 2022) Edited Newspaper(2023)
26.Shall We Turn the Scorpion? Or the Grasshopper? (July 7, 2022) Edited Newspaper(2023)
27.End of the Phantom’s love~ (2009) Edited (2023)
Epilogue~ (2010-2023) Edited (2023)
[Appendix updated]
[Editing]