Translation as Dialogue Across Time

Translation, for Markantonatos, is an act of reverence and renewal. His rendering of Oedipus at Colonus balances fidelity with freshness, preserving the dignity of the original while speaking in the cadences of contemporary English. Each line bears the weight of careful thought and the rhythm of empathy. Through translation, the ancient poet finds his modern voice. The notes and commentary serve as bridges across centuries—connecting the ritual language of tragedy to the reflective language of modern culture. This dialogue across time transforms the act of reading into a shared meditation: the translator becomes, in effect, a second chorus, guiding the audience toward understanding and awe.