TRANSLATIONS
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January 17 – March 20, 1999
written by Brian Friel directed by David Cromer It is 1833, and change is coming to rural County Donegal: While a hodgepodge group gather at an Irish-language hedge school to study classics of Greek and Latin literature, British army engineers arrive to map the country, draw new borders, and translate local place names into the King’s English. Languages and histories collide, kindling romance and inciting violence. A modern classic from an Irish master, TRANSLATIONS reminds us how personal the political can be.
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Vibrantly acted, richly intelligent, admirably unsentimental. David Cromer’s expert casting and astute, high-energy direction serve the play well, as do the actors’ authentic accents. There are superb performances by Kevin Fox , Karen Tarjan, and John Dunleavy, the effortlessly dashing Coby Goss, and the radiant, effusive Janet A. Carr." |
Director David Cromer’s production is correct in intent and high on spirit, and it is graced with a few special portrayals - Kevin Fox as the schoolmaster’s lame, embittered son; Ann Noble as a fiery young lass in the schoolroom; Gary Houston, as a besotted old tramp, and Andrew J. Turner in a performance that captures both the music and the spirit of the play " |
Director David Cromer crafts an extraordinary experience, grandly theatrical in its sweep and achingly poignant in its presentation. The exemplary cast works with effortless ease and vibrant life. Watching TRANSLATIONS made for one of the most glorious evenings I have ever spent in the theatre. Ever. |
