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Language and history come alive in West End Productions' 'Translations'
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West End Productions is bringing Brian Friel’s “Translations” to the North Fourth Theatre stage Friday, Nov. 7, through Nov. 23.
Show director Joe Feldman said it checks all the boxes.
“It’s a very, very moving play. It’s set in a historical context, but the play is really about the people, ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.”
West End Productions focuses on bringing shows from the British Isles to the stage in Albuquerque, and Feldman said the goal is to showcase works from other countries.
“We feel like we’re trying to do a good thing for the community by giving them a window into different countries and different cultures,” Feldman said, “and particularly those four countries which have such a rich literary heritage.”
“Translations” follows British soldiers as they arrive in rural Ireland to colonize and assimilate the villagers.
Rachel Foster, who plays Maire, said the central theme of the show is language amid drama, history, humor and a love story.
“It seemed like a really unique way of diving into those themes of how language and culture and identity are intertwined,” Foster said, “and what is eroded when language is changed and lost.”
Foster said that the play portrays characters grappling with issues modern-day audiences can relate to, such as power and social unrest.
“Translations” offers an interesting dive the time in history in which it is set, Foster said.
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“I also feel that this play has a lot to say about current and modern times as well,” Foster said. “So I think the juxtaposition there will hopefully be of interest.”
Parker Owen, who plays Owen, said it’s interesting how the play explores the question of who has power and how that power shapes the history of a community.
Owen said his character learns that there are very real consequences when British soldiers come to town.
“(They) essentially erase the language of these people and make them strangers in their own land,” Owen said.
Foster said she let the script guide her.
“Brian Friel just does not waste a word in this script,” Foster said.
