Translations May 9, 2008

A brilliant work of historical fiction, 'Tranlations,' explores the dilemma of traditions and national identity juxtaposed colonialism and changing times in the politically charged landscape of early 1800s County Donegal. Inhabitants of a small town experience repercussions as the British Royal Engineers Ordinance Survey come through their area Anglicizing Gaelic place names along their way. Set mostly in a 'hedge school,' in Baile Beag (renamed Ballybeg) the locals try to deal with what is happening, where and how they each fit in. Friel's drama touches the heart as sympathetic characters on both sides of the language barrier reach out to one another.