Translations (Irish Repertory Theatre) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (51)
See it if Beautiful play, done beautifully. It's all about the words, the actors, the meaning. Great theater only needs that.
Don't see it if You're looking for a spectacle. Or mindless.
See it if Excellent writing and acting. Read some of the historical background before you come.
Don't see it if Liked it all!
See it if You want a very entertaining play that makes major points about language and colonialism. Holds your attention and keeps your interest!
Don't see it if You cannot sit and listen.
See it if Irish Rep fan. Tip: Read NYT's excellent article on town inspiring Friel right after the show. Bejeez, it's a treat.
Don't see it if You hate historical plays (1830s!) or with difficult accents to navigate (eek!). It gets frustrating and you really have to hang in there. Read more
See it if I’m not Irish but knew the play beforehand. Waited over a decade to see it performed and this is everything I hoped it would be. A treasure
Don't see it if Hallowed as it is to students of Brit lit, history, drama, post-structuralism, & normal Irish ppl, it can be hard if coming w/ a blank slate Read more
See it if Gorgeous ode to 1830's Irish life w/deep themes & characters. The value of language, and limits of human communication. Anti-colonialism.
Don't see it if You expect to understand every word. Beautiful poetic speeches, w/frequent use of Irish, Greek & Latin. Challenging ending. Read more
See it if you enjoy rich, complex and thought-provoking plays, filled with great characters, focused on the nature and power of language to define us.
Don't see it if you don't like plays that demand some concentration and patience (but do reward those efforts in so many ways), or prefer a big production.
See it if You like thoughtful, compelling plays that transcend the specificity of its Irish roots to speak to larger, contemporary issues.
Don't see it if You prefer large venues and splashy effects. Friel's play rewards the effort of deep engagement with its language and poetry.
Critic Reviews (10)
CRITIC’S PICK: "A modest yet exquisite revival directed by Doug Hughes, it makes a rigorous case not only for Brian Friel’s pre-eminence as an interpreter of Irish national identity, but for the vitality of art in deciphering life."
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“ ‘Translations’ serves as a reminder that wars of words can claim casualties.”
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“Its delicate, humorous lyricism is another embodiment of ‘Translations’ big-souled complexity. The play’s tragedy strikes as deep as it does because it makes room, within and intertwined with the act of violence to which it is bearing witness, for so much beauty.”
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“The words resonate with the play’s theme...Unfortunately, those words ultimately translate into a yawn.”
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“The clash over culture and colonialism and native tongue feels real and eternally relevant, and the rural-Ireland atmosphere is so redolent, you can practically smell the fresh earth. With ‘Translations’, Irish Rep's Friel Project is off to a more than solid start.”
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“Brian Friel...In his 1980 play ‘Translations’ now being lovingly revived at off-Broadway’s Irish Rep, names are of paramount importance: they represent culture, tradition, even identity.”
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“This is a smashing production that has great moment for our time. It reminds us how usurping nations often force native speakers to give up their language, culture and customs. In disappearing their identity and history, the usurpers hope to gain immunity from accountability.”
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“I’m grateful to hear that ‘Translations’ has been extended through the end of the year. Its messages still ring true on both a personal and a more global level, as it explores how we connect with each other and what we choose to keep and value of myth, legend, history and culture and that which we choose to leave behind. Don’t miss your opportunity to see it”
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