The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is launching a three-year project to commission 36 pairs of playwrights and dramaturges to translate the works of Shakespeare into English. Yes, English. John McWhorter in the Wall Street Journal expresses support for this plan, saying, “Much of Shakespeare goes over our heads because, even though we recognize the words, their meaning often has changed significantly over the past four centuries.” Even well read people, McWhorter suggests, require professional assistance to “get” Shakespeare.
Reaction among Shakespeareans has been largely negative. Actors and directors resist the idea that the greatest English author needs to be translated into English. Ralph Alan Cohen, co-founder of the American Shakespeare Center, wrote a balanced response, applauding the project’s scope while pointing out the disservice it does to Shakespeare:
