what we do
Translations for Literature, Theatre & the Arts
What does a writer want from a translator? Acclaimed Indian writer, critic and musician Amit Chaudhuri interviewed by Guildhawk Advisory Board Member Roger James Elsgood.
Listen here or Read the transcript.
Literature, music and the arts transport us to new places. Artists inspire us to think, dream and hope. They make us see ourselves.
What do the arts have in Common?
What are the two main things literature, theatre and art all have in common? Intent and style. Writers, producers and artists all have something to say and choose specific ways in which to say them. It’s natural, once you have poured your heart into a project, to want to push it out as far and wide into the world as you can. But it’s equally natural, for the very same reason, to be wary of how you go about it.
For a brief overview of how we translate a book, please visit our FAQs.
Translating novels to musicals
Working on everything from novels to academic books; musicals to gallery materials, we work with creators to make sure everything that’s important to them is clearly communicated to those translating their work, and establish a continuous feedback loop to guarantee the translations are hitting precisely the right mark.
When writers and artists come to us, their primary concern is that any translations remain true to the original – both in terms of meaning and style. They want the multilingual version of them to communicate just like they do.
This is why Guildhawk only work with linguists with literary qualifications and specialist experience. It’s also why we work so hard to truly understand the individual creator’s perspective – their experiences and context, what they are trying to achieve.
(Photo by Roland Tanglao)
(Photo by Geoff Pugh)
Reimagining the Saatchi Gallery’s art collection
In the last five years, the Saatchi Gallery has presented 15 of the 20 most visited museum exhibitions in London. To better cater to their increasingly international audience, Saatchi Gallery required a full website localisation and translation into Chinese.