Nothing Lost in “Translations” at Writers Theatre

By Wes Hessel

The setting would seem attached to a time many of us can remember: in Ireland, preceded by the favorite son returned, British army officers of the occupation arrive at a local school on a mission of area mapping and place name standardization. Being the play was penned in 1980, one might presume this was a then-contemporary timeframe – Northern Ireland during what was colloquially referred to as “The Troubles”. But while this theatrical work does takes place at a fictional village in County Donegal, the year is 1833.

In a photo-realistic level of detail barn interior of the period (the set masterfully designed by Andrew Boyce), after an introductory scene prelude, the daily (actually evening) instruction at a hedge school is interrupted by the surprise appearance of a son of the school’s head, the native son turned gentleman, who introduces the two officers of the survey group. The ripples that emanate from this will touch everyone present, as well as the whole of the community they are in.

The portrayal of these people by the magnificent cast is by no means static in their characterizations – each grows or exposes more of who they really are most organically, while the language barrier of Irish and English hinders, helps, or is transcended, to both excellent dramatic and comedic effect. The difference of native vocabulary or alternate tongue is indicated by the accent and words they speak with.

While in the conversations onstage something may well be lost in the translation, the multiple points of brilliant playwright Brian Friel regarding loyalty, community, and morality, amongst others, or the questions they engender, come through clearly. You will not want to pass up this stirring show, so map out your path to www.writerstheatre.org for tickets or more information.

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