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Citation

Li S (2025) Book Review: Shakespeare in Succession by Michael Saenger and Sergio Costola, 2023. Montreal: McGill-Queens University Press. University of Toronto Quarterly, 94 (3). https://utppublishing.com/journal/utq

Abstract
Shakespeare in Succession, edited by Michael Saenger and Sergio Costola, is a compelling and multifaceted exploration of the ways in which Shakespeare’s works have been translated, adapted, and reinterpreted across linguistic, cultural, and temporal boundaries. Divided into two sections, the volume first presents essays by practitioners who offer experiential insights into the challenges of translating and performing Shakespeare, followed by academic contributions analyzing the historical and theoretical dimensions of Shakespeare’s global reception. The collection foregrounds translation as a creative act rather than a secondary process, illustrating how linguistic and cultural shifts shape the continued reinvention of Shakespeare’s works. Case studies, such as the adaptation of Romeo and Juliet into kunqu opera and the negotiation of historical and contemporary meanings in Italian translations of Taming of the Shrew, underscore the dynamic interplay between text and performance. The book also engages with broader questions of cultural identity, authorship, and the evolving role of Shakespeare in non-Anglophone contexts. While the volume’s diverse range of perspectives enriches its discussion, the tonal disjunction between its two sections and the occasional density of specialized essays may challenge some readers. Nevertheless, Shakespeare in Succession offers a valuable contribution to Shakespearean studies and translation theory, illuminating the ongoing dialogue between Shakespeare and his ever-expanding global audiences.

Journal
University of Toronto Quarterly: Volume 94, Issue 3