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