Translations (Abbey Theatre, 2023–2024)
Translations is Brian Friel’s powerful exploration of language, culture and identity, set in 1833 in a rural Irish community where the arrival of British surveyors and the anglicising of place names threatens not just how people speak — but who they are. In this acclaimed Abbey Theatre production directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, with Laura Sheeran serving as Assistant Director.
Team
Writer: Brian Friel
Director: Caitríona McLaughlin
Assistant Director: Laura Sheeran
Set Design: Joanna Parker
Costume Design: Catherine Fay
Lighting Design: Paul Keogan
Sound Design: Carl Kennedy
Movement Director: Sue Mythen
Casting Director: Sarah Jones
Voice Director: Andrea Ainsworth
Producer (Abbey): Jen Coppinger
Producer (Lyric): Morag Keating
Production Managers: Andy Keogh (Abbey), Siobhán Barbour (Lyric)
Stage Management & Crew: Bronagh Doherty (CSM), Roxzan Bowes, Orla Burke, Louise Graham, Jennifer Aust
Costume Supervisor: Eimear Farrell
Marketing Lead: Fergus Hannigan
Press: Róisín McGann / Sharon Sorohan
Cast
Owen: Leonard Buckley
Bridget: Ruby Campbell
Maire: Zara Devlin
Doalty: Andy Doherty
Hugh: Brian Doherty
Jimmy Jack: Ronan Leahy
Lieutenant Yolland: Aidan Moriarty
Manus: Marty Rea
Sarah: Suzie Seweify
Captain Lancey: Howard Teale
Production Notes
This co-production between Abbey Theatre and Lyric Theatre Belfast toured nationally after its Dublin run. The staging emphasised the play’s timeless exploration of language as identity and resistance, underlining how communication — or its breakdown — shapes peoples and nations.
Venue & Run:
Abbey Theatre, Dublin — Summer season (June–August 2023)
Tour Dates (Abbey & partners):
Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick (16–20 August)
Town Hall Theatre, Galway (23–27 August)
An Grianán, Donegal (30 August – 3 September)
Review Excerpts
★★★★ “A timeless study of change and identity…” — The Guardian
★★★★ “Excellent staging…” — The Irish Times
★★★★ “Poignant revival…” — The Sunday Times
★★★★ “Skilfully crafted production of Brian Friel’s mighty play…” — The Stage
★★★★ “An extraordinary cast turn in extraordinary performances…” — The Arts Review