Post-Show: Stay Sharp

In 'Babel', R.F. Kuang delves into the world of 19th-century Oxford, where the Royal Institute of Translation, known as Babel, harnesses the power of translation through a magical art called silver-working. This art manifests the meaning lost in translation into enchanted silver bars, which are used to support the British Empire's colonial expansion. The story follows Robin Swift, an orphaned Chinese boy brought to London by Professor Lovell, as he navigates his studies at Babel and grapples with the moral implications of serving the Empire versus his loyalty to his motherland. As Britain engages in an unjust war with China, Robin must decide whether to support the institution or join the shadowy Hermes Society in its efforts to sabotage the Empire's silver-working and colonial ambitions.