Translations: A Journey Through Language and Identity

Step back in time to County Donegal, Ireland, in 1833 with Brian Friel's profound play, "Translations." This powerful drama explores a community navigating a period of immense change, from the arrival of British mapmakers to the renaming of familiar places and the introduction of a new national education system. As traditions shift and the Irish language faces transformation, the very foundations of identity and belonging begin to waver, leading to a palpable sense of cultural loss and alienation.

A Deeper Look at Language and Power

"Translations" masterfully delves into the intricate relationship between language, history, and collective memory. Friel himself described it as "a play about language," but here, language transcends mere communication. It becomes a dynamic arena where power, misunderstanding, imposition, and resistance converge. The act of mapping and renaming is portrayed not as a simple administrative task, but as a potent force reshaping a community's connection to its homeland.

Experience Friel's writing, a captivating blend of the bitter and tender, the sharp and sensitive, the lyrical and humorous. The play offers a poignant reflection on language's role in defining a nation's cultural essence, revealing its limitations, fractures, and boundless possibilities.

A Visionary Production

Director Patrick Miles, who also co-translated the play with Andreas Tselepos, brings this historical setting to life with remarkable precision. His production artfully weaves in references that draw compelling parallels between 19th-century Ireland and the experience of colonized Cyprus, adding another layer of depth to the narrative.

Attendees can enjoy the performance with English and Turkish subtitles. The running time is approximately 115 minutes, including a 10-minute intermission.