Readers React: To ‘translate’ Shakespeare is to dishonor him

To the editor: Oh, translators of Shakespeare, I pray you forbear your efforts! (“Shakespeare’s work has thrived for 400 years. Here’s how to improve it,” Opinion, April 23)

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s (and others’) attempts to “modernize” Shakespeare is misguided financially and creatively. We, as a modern audience, have become lazy and no longer wish to participate aesthetically in experiencing live dramatic art.

You dishonor Shakespeare when you “translate” him. Can English actually be translated into English?

The joy of teaching and performing Shakespeare lies in the excavation of the original text — how to suit the action to the word, the word to the action. Shakespeare leaves us invaluable clues inside the text, in the actual sounds of the words, that help to illuminate not only the understanding of the words but how the words should be delivered. Once the actor understands what is being said, the audience will too.

Mark O’Connor should concentrate his efforts to educate actors and directors on the “magic of the text.” By tampering with genius, you rob an audience (and the actor) of the full experience of Shakespeare. You will leave something mundane and cliche behind by removing the magic.

Timothy Landfield, Los Angeles

The writer is a core faculty member at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

..

To the editor: O’Connor writes, “Shakespeare fans may wonder: What would his plays sound like in modern English translation?”

Shakespeare’s language technically is considered Modern English, which first emerged in the 14th century, although a number of his words might have different meanings today or have been forgotten.

We don’t distinguish a writer by the story; we make a distinction by his writing, his style and technique. By simplifying Shakespeare’s language, we effectively lose the imprint of his style and his unique vocabulary.

It can be mentally painful to try to understand abstruse writing; it involves cogitation and thoughtful visualization, which seem to be unfamiliar practices in the world of technology and the desultory thinking development of today’s younger generation.

Giuseppe Mirelli, Los Angeles

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook