2016-2017 Productions

TRANSLATIONS
Written by Brian Friel
Directed by Norman Jones

October 28–29, November 1–5, 2016
Performances at 7:30 p.m. nightly
Matinees at 4:00 p.m. on October 29 and November 5

Written by prominent Irish playwright Brian Friel, and performed in 1980 during the conflicts between Northern Ireland and England, Translations was a powerful catalyst for political, cultural and social change at that time, and continues to speak to cultural conflicts today. Taking place in late 1833 at a hedge-school in Baile Beag, an Irish speaking community in County Donegal, Translations explores the troubled lives of a handful of characters struggling to adjust to the shifting dynamics of the world around them. 

The Department of Theatre Arts production opens just prior to the presidential election. In light of political turmoil, as well as a wide array of national and international conflicts, the production promises to provide a nuanced and hopeful view of overcoming obstacles. Considered to be Friel’s masterpiece, Translations is “nothing short of glorious” (The New York Times).