Translations aligns beautifully with the GC Theater Department's "Loyalty, Love and Loss" season theme. Considered one of Friel's most innovative works, the play is a funny and bitter portrait of Irish peasants caught up in the midst of quiet socio-political upheaval, complete with a pair of star- crossed lovers for good measure.

Translations is riddled with English, Latin, Greek, and Irish languages throughout the text and loosely examines the historical impact a foreign power can have on a community's culture and language. In the play, British officers (aka Royal Engineers) come to Ireland to take part in a survey; creating a detailed map that intentionally replaces the Gaelic language embraced by the Irish with standardized British English in an effort to set up a political union based on a common language. Friel's theatrical device of having all of the characters speak their own language, while using an interpreter to "translate", drives the play and reveals both the conflict and the barriers of resolving them peaceably. Set in a hedge school in 1833 and described by Friel as "deliberately very traditional, with three acts and a rural setting", Translations is a traditional play which tackles contemporary issues.

Performance dates are February 11,12,19 at 8:00 p.m. and February 13 and 20 3:00 p.m. The February 20 performance is ASL interpreted. Tickets are $8 general and $5 students/seniors.

For tickets . . .