Faithful as translations and vigorous and straightforward both to read and to act, these versions were written, like their originals, for immediate staage-production.
Kitto has deliberately used a fairly strict meter, allowing himself no greater number of verses than Sophocles used, and where the original is formal--as in the line-by-line dialogue--the translations too are formal. The original rhythmic structure of the lyrics has been approximately represented; in the Antigone the lyric passages have been followed as closely as the English language permits.
Quasi-musical indications of tempo or mood have been added to the lyrical portions as a reminder that they were not recited but were a fusion of poetry, music, and dancing. There are brief notes on the dance-rhythms, on the pronunciation of Greek names, and on the mythological allusions in the three plays.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review:
"Reliable and artful translations. A more useful trio than the usual gathering of the three Theban plays."--Scott Richardson, St. John's University
"Of all the translations I've read, this seems the most 'actable,' in a noble way. The verse is fluid, evocative, smooth. The notes are helpful. This is the translation I have chosen to direct as a major production next season, as well as using it in class."--Phoebe Wray, The Boston
Conservatory
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherOxford University Press
- Publication date1964
- ISBN 10 0195003748
- ISBN 13 9780195003741
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages159
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Rating