How Has Translation Transformed Shakespeare? With Daniel Hahn

Intelligence Squared

News, News Commentary, Arts, Society & Culture

4.2 • 1.2K Ratings

🗓️ 11 April 2026

⏱️ 55 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

What does it mean to translate some of the most recognisable and revered works in the English language? When the wordplay, poetry, and syntax of Shakespeare are all changed, is it still truly Shakespeare? In this episode, host Mythili Rao speaks with translator Daniel Hahn about his new book If This Be Magic: The Unlikely Art of Shakespeare in Translation. From Hamlet in Italian to Romeo and Juliet in Thai, Hahn explores how Shakespeare’s plays are continually reshaped as they move across languages, cultures and traditions. Drawing on close readings and examples from around the world, Hahn examines the practical and creative challenges of translation: how to carry across rhythm, wordplay and humour, and what is lost and gained in the process. The conversation explores questions of fidelity and invention, from the difficulty of reproducing Shakespeare’s jokes to the complexities of voice, character and grammar. At its centre is a reflection on what makes Shakespeare endure, not as a fixed body of text, but as a living work constantly remade through language, performance and interpretation. Daniel Hahn is an award-winning translator, author and editor of numerous fiction and non-fiction works. He was previously chair for the Society of Authors and currently serves on the board of trustees for English PEN. He is the author of If This Be Magic: The Unlikely Art of Shakespeare in Translation, which is available in bookstores now. Mythili Rao is a book critic, journalist and podcast producer. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events ... Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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