LaCageFans: TRANSLATIONS Review

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/20/07 at 8:18pm

TRANSLATIONS Review ****

https://nycriticscorner.broadwayworld.com/translations.htm

I sometimes marvel at the fact that we have any cultural diversity left at all on this steadily shrinking planet. Once strong civilizations have been overrun by other forces, destroying one people's culture for the sake of their supposed "pop-culture;" and in terms of language, English-speaking countries, especially America are among the worst offenders.

Here in America, European immigrants found their identities altered because some admission clerk couldn't be bothered to figure out how to spell a person's name. But thankfully someone out there in this barbaric, yet typical country is smart enough to produce a play by lyrical artist Brian Friel. Not only have the McCarter Theatre and the Manhattan Theatre Club joined forces to bring another of Friel's works to Broadway, but "Translations" is a powerful force that shapes the nature of individuals and nations, and Friel responds to its possibilities with the most authentic and moving work of his cannon.

On the other side of the ocean, the countryside of Ireland endured a similar "simplification" in the early part of the 19th century, as the English forces began a program to change the admittedly difficulty (for those not born of the tongue) Gaelic names of the country's towns into what makes one almost cringe to call the "Good King's English."

In Brian Friel's hypnotic "Translations," brought to life with passion, lyricism and unbridled beauty at Broadway's Biltmore Theatre, the national assault - or salvation, depending on which character you listen to, and the lines are not as clearly drawn as one might imagine - is reduced to one microcosmic village and a handful of its people.

Friel has explored the Irish experience in such plays as "The Freedom of the City" and his best-known "Dancing at Lughnasa," but never has he reached so deep within the country and its people to examine their souls.

A dirt-floored school, where villagers come after a hard day in the fields to learn Latin, Greek and math, is more than a place of learning; it's a place of dreams. And when one of the village's own returns, decked out in fine clothes and full pockets, they welcome him with open arms. But he's not returned for a visit; he's working as a translator for a team of English soldiers who are traveling the countryside, "translating" the Gaelic names of the towns into English for a new map, one that promises fairer taxation but reeks of doom for the Irish people.

Tony Award winning director Garry Hynes crafts an extraordinary experience, grandly theatrical in its sweep and achingly poignant in its presentation. The lives of the people of Baile Beag (crudely changed to Bally Beg by the English) resonate with joy and optimism, oblivious to the realities the future holds. The ensemble cast is absolutely exemplary! Susan Lynch's Maire and Chanlder Williams' Lieutenant
Yolland are passionately portrayed, as the radiant village girl and the English soldier who wins her heart and whose romance sets the stage for the plays chilling denouement; David Costable's Manus is pitch perfect, as the crippled and heartbroken son of the schoolmaster; Alan Cox's as Owen gives an intricately woven portrait of the translator caught between two cultures; and Morgan Hallett gives a breathtaking turn as a lovelorn mute woman who finds her voice, only to lose it in pain.

But it is Niall Buggy's masterful portrayal of Hugh that makes this "Translations" translate so well. His carefully orchestrated and executed depiction of a broodingly intelligent yet seemingly ignorant character is utter perfection. And then in the play's final moments as Buggy's Hugh muddles the lines that are the very essence of the works meaning ("It's not the literal past, the ‘facts' of history, that shape us, but images of the past embodies in language") the audience feels an overwhelming rapture of an awe inspiring performance filled with deep, rich meaning - just like the play itself.

"Translations" is not an easy play to stage, but here it is staged masterfully. Francis O'Connor's rich setting (brilliantly lit by Davy Cunningham) and clothed in O'Connor's stunning authentic dress make for a most glorious, extremely educational, and thought provoking evenings of theatre that Broadway has to offer.



Updated On: 1/21/07 at 08:18 PM

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 9:20am

Bump

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 1:43pm

Since the show opens tonight, I thought I'd bump up my review. Has anyone else seen this show recently? I was rather impressed when I saw it this past weekend. Very nice Production and great cast.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 1:57pm

Dying to see this one. I'm not a Friel fan but this really is a beautiful play.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 2:09pm

Not really a Friel fan myself either...I normally need a cup of Coffee, or 2, to get through most of his stuff...but TRANSLATIONS really is a beautiful piece of theatre and this version of it is top notch. What could have been sleep enducing was provoking and meaningful.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 2:20pm

So it's worth-it to see?

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 2:53pm

I certainly know Friel isn't everyones cup of Tea. His language is extremely elevated, a smart man, but in my opinion, not the best of all playwrights, because of his intellegance. THAT SAID, "Translations," out of all the Friel works I've seen, is by far, imho, his best and most thought provoking and well written piece in his cannon.

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 3:23pm

It's a damn near perfect production. Hynes and the cast really understand the poetry and rhythms of Friel's language.

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 5:13pm

It was an awesome production. Sarah was the best character in this production though..... i got to speak with the assistant director and the production manager and i was just blown away.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 9:10am

*edited* Isherwood gave it a big, fat rave. Actually, his review is quite beautifully written.

Translations NYT Review

Updated On: 1/26/07 at 09:10 AM

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 9:15am

That review was written by Isherwood, not Brantley.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 11:50am

I wish I could find it online, but Im not registered to the WALL STREET JOURNAL - but that review is even more glowing than the TIMES - and that was an all out Rave. If someone cares to paste a link to the WSJ review...it's fantastic. Just to quote

"Istead of reviewing it, I wish I could simply send you a ticket."

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 11:54am

Smaxie had posted it in the TRANSLATIONS review thread.

http://users1.wsj.com/lmda/do/checkLogin?mg=wsj-users1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB116977143971288407.html%3Fmod%3Dat_leisure_main_editors_picks_days_only

Damn...those are some nice reviews. Good for them - its a beautifully done show.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 1:48pm

Thanks for the review ! We are thinking of seeing it this February. I hope its easy to understand ...

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 9:38am

Its easy to understand if you a firm grasp on the English language and any slight knowledge of the roots of our language. But yes, I do highly reccommend seeing it - brilliant production that is as perfect a production of this play I think we'll ever get.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 1/27/07 at 12:31pm

Thanks- I saw "Coast of utopia" Voyage and I had problems understanding some parts of the play and somehow I get lost.
I felt its a 'little dry " to me , probably bec. I am so used of seeing a musical.. but its a very good play, but kinda boring too.. I hope TRANSLATIONS is not same old boring as VOYAGE or
i mean... dry, subtle and slow.