Shake the Sword! is a podcast produced by the Tsikinya-Chaka Centre at Wits University (South Africa). In episode 1, we talk about translations of Shakespeare into Kiswahili, focusing on the context of the translations undertaken by Julius Nyerere: liberation hero, political philosopher and the first president of independent Tanzania. The director of the Tsikinya-Chaka Centre, Chris Thurman, introduces two experts on the subject: Kimani Njogu and Serena Talento. You'll also hear snippets from Kenyan Theatre Company Bill Pill and music sensation Sho Madjozi!

Shake the Sword! - Episode 1 (Kiswahili Shakespeares part 1)

In our first two episodes, we learn about translations of Shakespeare's plays into Kiswahili - a language spoken by more than 100 million people across eastern, central and southern Africa. Part two explores this topic beyond the prominent figure of Julius Nyerere: we discuss the work of his contemporaries and those who came after him, and the relationship between Shakespeare and Kiswahili today. Director of the Tsikinya-Chaka Centre, Chris Thurman, introduces two experts on the subject: Kimani Njogu and Serena Talento. You'll also hear snippets from Kenyan theatre company Bitter Pill and from musical sensation Sho Madjozi!

Shake the Sword! - Episode 2 (Kiswahili Shakespeares part 2)

Part one of another double-header, this time exploring Shakespeare in/and/from Nigeria. Director of the Tsikinya-Chaka Centre, Chris Thurman, talks to scholars, playwrights and translators who share insights into Nigeria's language landscape and Shakespeare's place within it: Ifeoluwa Aboluwade, Lekan Balogun, Odirin Abonyi and Bernard Ogini. Along the way, listen out for the musical genius of Fela Kuti!

Shake the Sword! - Episode 3 (Nigerian Shakespeares: Naija, English, Yoruba and more)

Part two of our mini-series exploring Shakespeare in/and/from Nigeria. Director of the Tsikinya-Chaka Centre, Chris Thurman, introduces the TCC's partnership with the Drama Factory in Somerset West. Then we learn more about Shakespeare. Nigeria and "travelling tales" thanks to the expertise of Ifeoluwa Aboluwade, Lekan Balogun, Odirin Abonyi and Bernard Ogini. And of course there is more Fela Kuti!

Shake the Sword! Episode 4 (Nigerian Shakespeares: Travelling tales)

The Tsikinya-Chaka Centre at the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg, South Africa) supports research and practice at the intersection of Shakespeare, transnationalism and multilingualism.

The Tsikinya-Chaka Centre

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