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Drama Review: Brian Friel's "Translations"

By: Kayleigh Kearsley

Written in 1981 by Irish playwright Briang Friel, Translations is a beautifully-crafted dramatic metaphor of the death of the Irish language, along with the acquisition of the English language in 19th century Ireland. Set in 1833 at a hedge school in Baile Beag, the effect of British colonialism and the imposition of the English language is portrayed through their effect on intentionally developed characters of a small, Irish-speaking community. These characters become vehicles through which Friel depicts the impact of the loss of or attack on one’s native tongue.

In this play, Owen, the son of the hedge schoolmaster, returns home with a group of British soldiers intent on mapping the area and Anglicizing the names of the different places in Baile Beag. Owen himself acts as a translator for these British soldiers and orthographers. This act, which seems innocent enough in the beginning, proves to contribute to the erosion of the Irish language and culture. The dialogue and staging directions entrap the audience in the story, and leaves them pondering the play’s themes and the importance of language even after the final curtain has fallen. It is an engaging play and a must-read for all those interested in how a language dies, and how this death affects the lives and culture of a people.

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