At the Seelinger Arts Foundation, we shine a light on those who work behind the curtain to make theatre more accessible. Today, we introduce Karine, a key figure in the world of theatrical surtitling in Hong Kong.
A journey shaped by theatre
Karine grew up surrounded by the performing arts. She began her journey with Versailles Théâtre, then moved to Hong Kong and joined the Hong Kong Singers in 1993. It was with the French Theatre Association (HKTA) that she discovered her passion for surtitling — a precise and thoughtful craft that allows French-language theatre to reach international audiences.
Building bridges through language
For Karine, surtitling is far more than a technical task. It’s a human adventure and a cultural bridge. “Surtitles create a link, a bridge that allows non-French speakers to feel the emotion of the play. It all takes shape the moment the curtain rises,” she explains.
A craft rooted in rhythm and precision
Surtitling requires a deep understanding of a show’s pace, the ability to adapt dialogue gracefully, and perfect timing. Karine fully immerses herself in each production to capture its spirit, carefully translate the text, and deliver the emotion at the exact right moment.
Through her work, she continues to open theatre to wider audiences, ensuring that language is never a barrier to experiencing the magic of live performance.
