Lost (in) Translations: How Ukrainian Shakespeareana Must Be Bigger Than We Think

Abstract

This article delves into the complex history of Shakespeare translations in Ukraine, with a particular focus on the phenomenon of “lost translations.” These losses are categorized as either ontological (irrevocably lost due to destruction or censorship) or gnoseological (existing but inaccessible or underappreciated). The authors situate these losses within the context of Ukraine’s turbulent history, marked by periods of foreign domination, enforced language bans, and political repression. These historical forces significantly impacted the development and preservation of Ukrainian cultural artifacts, including Shakespeare translations. The study examines various forms of lost translations, including rare manuscripts that have vanished, rumoured but unverified ‘ghost translations,’ and stage scripts that were never published or have perished. These lost works not only represent significant cultural losses but also offer unique insights into Ukraine’s literary and cultural history.Shakespeare translations in Ukraine served as more than just literary works: they functioned as tools of resistance and avenues for creative expression during periods of repression. By translating Shakespeare, Ukrainian writers and artists challenged linguistic and cultural suppression, contributing significantly to the formation of a distinct Ukrainian literary canon.The article underscores the urgent need for rigorous archival research to recover and study these lost works. By analysing the cultural, political, and personal factors that contributed to these losses, the study provides a compelling narrative of Ukrainian cultural survival and its ongoing struggle for identity and self-expression.