Sociological aspects of Ukrainian translations of W. Shakespeare’s plays in the 21st century

Abstract

The article attempts to analyze Ukrainian translations of Shakespeare's plays in the 21st century from the viewpoint of the sociology of agents, namely the participants involved in the translation process from the selection of the work to its reception. The 21st century has seen the publication of translation of "Hamlet", "Romeo and Juliet", "King Lear" done by the poet, novelist, translator, representative of postmodernism in literature Yu. Andrukhovych, "Antony and Cleopatra" by the translator, editor and Shakespeare studies scholar M. Hablevych and the two-volume book "W. Shakespeare. Tragedies and Chronicles", which includes the plays "Hamlet", "Othello", "Macbeth", "King Henry IV. Part I", "King Henry IV. Part II" and "King Lear", by the poet and translator O. Hriaznov. The translation process is started by initiating agents, who may be the translators themselves or others parties interested in creating the translation (for example, a theater director or an illustrator). The interpretations of Yu. Andrukhovych attracted the greatest attention of critics, provoking a discussion about Yu. Andrukhovych's translation strategy and leading to the appearance of a number of translation studies articles. Translations by M. Hablevych and O. Hriaznov still need scholars’ detailed analysis. So far, we draw preliminary conclusions about M. Hablevych’s translation strategy from her work as a researcher (“Svitlo i Sutin Shekspirovoho Khramu: Statti ta Pereklady” ("Light and Dusk of Shakespeare's Temple: Articles and Translations")), translator ("Henry VIII") and editor (translations of Shakespeare's sonnets by D. Pavlychko and N. Butuk). Another important agent of translation is the publishing house. The high artistic, aesthetic and polygraphic quality of the book, its active advertising on forums and presentations, a convenient website, its own online bookstore – all this helps the translation get into the hands of the reader. In the 21st century the availability of the audio version of the book and informative and educational podcasts on various Internet platforms have become important popularization tools. The successful interaction of all agents (initiators, translators, publishers, critics, researchers and readers) leads to the creation of a high-quality translation that will occupy an important place in Ukrainian Shakespeareana.