Rehearsals have begun for the National Theatre’s production of Brian Friel’s Translations. Here’s a glimpse of what has been happening. 

Previewing at the National’s Olivier Theatre from the 22nd May, Brian Friel’s translations is an account  of nationhood, which sees the turbulent relationship between England and Ireland play out in one quiet community.

Owen, the prodigal son, returns to rural Donegal from Dublin. With him are two British army officers. Their ambition is to create a map of the area, replacing the Gaelic names with English. It is an administrative act with radical consequences.

This new production is directed by Ian Rickson and is set to star Dermot Crowley, Aoife Duffin, Adetomiwa Edun, Michelle Fox, Ciarán Hinds, Laurence Kinlan, Colin Morgan, Seamus O’Hara, Judith Roddy and Rufus Wright.

The production will also feature design by Rae Smith, lighting design by Neil Austin and music by Stephen Warbeck and sound design by Ian Dickinson.

Translations will play at the National Theatre from the 22nd May until the 11th August. For more information visit: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/translations