Translations at King’s Theatre

Set in a hedge school in Ballybeg, in Ireland in 1833, Translations sets the scene for the appearance of members of the British Army who have been tasked to translate place names in the area from ancient Irish Gaelic to the King's English. This clash of cultures results in a series of misunderstandings and misinterpretations that indicate that without a shared method of communication, chaos will prevail and instability will rule the day.

Owen, brother to lame aspiring teacher Manus, returns home after six years away in Dublin. With him is Lieutenant Yolland, who is working on the Ordnance Survey map of Ireland. Owen acts as a translator and go-between for the British and Irish. A love triangle between Yolland, Manus, and a local woman, Máire, complicates matters and this poignant story is played out onstage, under the much lauded direction of acclaimed actor and director, Adrian Dunbar.

Translations was first performed at the Guildhall in Derry, Northern Ireland, in 1980. It was the first production by the Field Day Theatre Company founded by Tony Award Winner Friel and Stephen Rea. Don't miss your chance to see this creative production of this renowned play from one of the greatest living English-language dramatists.