Miscommunication is the Comedy and the Tragedy of TRANSLATIONS
The masterwork of Irish playwright, Brian Friel, is brought to the stage of the Studio Theater in Washington, D.C. in the performance of Translations. This hilarious, shrewd and sexy drama is about when in Irish history the British came to map the country and translate its place names from Irish to English. This performance about language and the extent of its limitations plays out amongst its troupe of actors with humor and candor.
“It’s a great play of language in which we see social forces play out in the lives of everyday people.” ~ David Muse, Artistic Director
It is 1833, and change is coming to rural County of Donegal. The scene is mostly of the group of townspeople coming together to study the classics (Greek and Latin literature) at the Irish-language hedge school. The British army engineers arrive to map out the country’s new borders and translate local places names into the King’s English. Language and history give way to romance and at times violence.
The staging of Translations offers a truly intimate approach to watching a performance of this kind. Irish lore and history come to life when both actors and audience share the close proximity of the stage. Glances are exchanged with the audience as actors finely deliver their lines. Adding authenticity, the imagery of the dust-covered floors and the sound of the falling rain is imminently experienced front and center on stage. A strong performance by the cast and impressive depiction of their characters.
Translations will be performed at the Studio Theater through April 29, 2018.
For ticket information go to The Studio Theater
PRODUCTION
Mathew Torney, Director
Debra Booth, Set Designer
Wade Laboissonniere, Costume Designer
Keith Parham, Lighting Designer
Palmer Hefferan, Sound Designer
Adrien-Alice Hansel, Dramaturg
Lauren Stancyzk, CSA, New York Casting
Allie Roy, Production Stage Manager
Kate Kilbane, Assistant Stage Manager
Nancy Krebs, Dialect Coach
Josh Escajeda, Production Manager
CAST
Manus / Mathew Aldwin McGee
Sarah / Megan Graves
Jimmy Jack / Martin Giles
Maire / Molly Carden
Doalty / Joe Mallon
Bridget / Caroline Dubberly
Hugh / Bradly Armacost
Owen / Erin Gann
Captain Laney / Jeff Koegh
Lieutenant Yolland / Cary Donaldson
Cecilia Mencia is founder of DCTrending.com and an independent, DC-based journalist.
Photo credit: Teddy Wolff and Teresa Wood