The John & Penelope Biggs Department of Classics recently hosted acclaimed translator Diane Arnson Svarlien for an inspiring day of events. The afternoon began with a book signing at the University Bookstore, where attendees picked up signed copies of her translations of Lysistrata, Women at the Thesmophoria, and Frogs.
In the evening, Arnson Svarlien delivered a dynamic lecture and performance, reading selections from her verse translations of Aristophanes, Euripides, Sappho, and more. She explored the challenges of translating poetry, balancing fidelity to meaning, rhythm, tone, and humor.
WashU students joined her in performing excerpts from her translations, bringing ancient Greek comedies to life for a captivated audience. The event was a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and the enduring power of classical texts.
