Casting announced for Translations at the National's Olivier Theatre

Translations Olivier Theatre cast announced

Casting has been announced for the upcoming revival of Translations at the Olivier Theatre. Set to reprise their roles from the previous production are Game of Thrones actor Ciarán Hinds as Hugh, Dermot Crowley (As You Like It, Richard III, Breakfast at Tiffany's) as Jimmy Jack, Judith Roddy (A Doll's House) as Mairie, Rufus Wright (Mary Stuart) as Captain Lancey, and Seamus O’Hara (Game of Thrones, A Streetcar Named Desire) as Manus. 

They are joined by new cast members Amy Molloy (Cyprus Avenue, Black Milk) as Bridget, Fra Fee (Les Miserables, The Ferryman, Durty Dancing) as Owen, Jack Bardoe (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) as Lieutenant Yolland, Julian Moore-Cook (The Lieutenant of Inishmore) as Doalty, and Liádan Dunlea (The Alienist) as Sarah. 

The cast is completed by ensemble members Gareth Clarke (Blithe Spirit, Witness for the Prosecution, Ghost Stories) as US Captain Lancey/Ensemble, Adam Collier (We're Going on a Bear Hunt) as Us Lieutenant Yolland, Paul Lloyd (Anthony and Cleopatra, King Lear) as US Hugh/Jimmy Jack/Ensemble, Sarah Madigan (The Play That Goes Wrong, Celebration) as US Maire/Bridge/Sarah/Ensemble, and Michael-David McKernan (Sucking Dublin, Fantastic Mr Fox) as US Manus/Owen/Doalty/Ensemble.

What is Brian Friel's Translations play about?

Translations is a three-act play written in 1980 by Irish playwright Brian Friel. It is set in the 19th-century Donegal village, Baile Beag (Balllybed), in Ireland and is play solely about language and the socio-linguistic issues arising from it, such as cultural imperialism and communication issues. The story follows schoolmaster and father figure Hugh, whose own cultural identity and livelihood are at stake when prodigal son Owen returns from Dublin. He brings with him two military officers from Britain whose mission proves to be purely cartographic: they wish to create a map of the region that replaces the Gaelic place names with English ones. Perhaps, unbeknownst to the British authorities, this act of administration ends up costing more than what they bargained for.

Translations is a modern classic exploring the consequences of strong nationhood, patriotism, and nationalism that is brought to the forefront by the stormy relationship between Ireland and England that unfolds in a quiet rural community.

Who is on the National TheatreTranslations creative team?

Translations is directed by Ian Rickson and features lighting design by Neil Austin, set and costume design by Rae Smith, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph, movement direction by Anna Morrissey, dialect coaching from Simon Money, associate set and costume design by Niall McKeever, composition from Stephen Warbeck, and company voice work from Simon Money and Jeannette Nelson.

Musicians for Translations at the National include viola player Anna Cooper, percussionist Stephen Hiscock, double bass player by Nicola Davenport, and guitar player Dario Rossetti-Bonell.

Official National Theatre tickets for Translations at the Olivier Theatre on sale now!

Ian Rickson's Translations opens on 15 October at the Olivier Theatre and is booking until 18 December 2019. Don't miss the strictly-limited season for the return of Translations! Be sure to book your tickets as soon as possible to guarantee the best seats in the house!