| Translations A Hit with the Critics
 Brian
Friel’s Translations, an unforgettable threnody on the death of
the Irish language, has been a critical triumph. The play, currently playing
at the Biltmore Theater until April, is not new to New York (it played
off-Broadway in 1981 and on Broadway in 1995) but third time has been
a charm with the hard-to-please New York reviewers.
The New York Times showered praise on the production saying: “On
this occasion it [the play] has wisely been entrusted to Garry Hynes,
the brilliant Irish director known for her work with the fiery young playwright
Martin McDonagh and the cycle of plays by J. M. Synge seen at the Lincoln
Center Festival last summer. Ms. Hynes has in turn wisely entrusted Mr.
Friel’s challenging play to a stageful of little-known but hugely
talented actors, creating an ensemble of an extraordinarily high caliber
and consistency. In their hands – on their tongues, I should say
– ‘Translations’ is nothing short of glorious.”
Later, the Times review by Charles Isherwood continues, “But almost
everything in this production plays beautifully. The boozy give and take
between Hugh (Niall Buggy), the schoolmaster who runs the humble rural
schoolroom where the play takes place, and his prized old pupil Jimmy
Jack (Dermot Crowley), is wonderfully funny, as they tease each other
with etymological tests.”
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