September 07, 2017
More Pei Jones Shakespeare translations found
Translations of the William Shakespeare plays Othello and Julius Caesar by the late Pei te Hurinui Jones will be made available for download during Maori Language Week.
The Ngati Maniapoto scholar is known for his translation of Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, which will also be available, as well as a range of other writings including tribal history, much of which remains unpublished.
The plays were prepared for release by Tama Potaka and his wife Ariana Paul, along with Hemi Whaana from the University of Waikato, working from the 65-year-old manuscripts held at the university library.
Mr Potaka says they include many unusual words and idioms from the Maniapoto dialect used by Dr Jones.
"When you read throught the explanatory notes Pei put together for each of the books you will understand and appreciate his love for the language and also his love for the best writing from thoughout the world so Shakespeare was one but he also translated The Rubiyat of Omar Khayam and others," he says.
The plays Owhiro (Othello), Huria Hiha (Julius Ceasar) and Te Tangata Whai Rawa o Weneti (Merchant of Venice) will get a print publication later in the year, along with the Englsih originals, Dr Jones' explanatory notes and glossary, maps and other material that will highlight te mana o te reo.
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