Something that always bothers me when watching a Shakespeare play is that they never update the dialogue.

I understand that speaking in Shakespearean English is tradition and part of the act and all that, but there are very few people who actually understand what’s being said.

Shakespeare was a brilliant storyteller — way ahead of his time. That’s not up for debate. What I can’t understand is why we don’t see these incredible performances in a modern translation.

Having said that, there is something curious that happens while watching a Shakespeare play. Although I find myself confused at first, lost in translation, at some point something clicks. And even though I don’t fully comprehend what is said, I can understand exactly what is happening.

This is largely due to the skill of the actors, as their inflection and actions convey much of what’s happening. And in many ways, it even helps translate the lost language.

This phenomenon is something I’ve heard from others as well. I find it curious and oddly fascinating.

Even though I am unable to mentally translate the words spoken, I’ve understood every Shakespeare performance I’ve watched.

Still, imagine how much easier it would be if they dropped the antiquated English in favour of something we could all understand.