By Kelsey Rogers Contributing writer
The production “Translations,” presented by the Susquehanna Department of Theatre, will be making its debut April 20 through April 23 in Degenstein Campus Center Theater.
Written by Irish writer Brian Friel in 1980, the play takes place in 1833 in Ireland. In the play, a community of farmers is met by English invaders who attempt to change their culture by altering their identity, maps and language.
The play focuses on the interaction between an English soldier who falls in love with a peasant girl from the farmland.
As their love story unfolds, the soldier finds himself taking a liking to the girl’s culture as well. This results in anger and disapproval from both the English and Irish sides.
According to Associate Professor of Theater and director of “Translations,” Erik Viker, said that the drama is laced with wry humor and features affection, conflict and powerful characters.
“The author tells us this play is about language,” Viker said. “But it’s also about why we love and finding a home and committing to something bigger than ourselves.”
Viker said the range of character ages and complexity of their given circumstances are challenging, but the cast has risen to those challenges with hard work and dedication.
First-year Charlie Reisman said that the cast is one of the hardest working groups of people he has ever been around.
“The dedication everyone puts in night in and night out is remarkable,” Reisman said.
Reisman added that he has never worked with a cast that jokes around so much during breaks. He said that the chemistry comes across strongly.
“I think the audience will see a group of people who love and care about each other and the work, and that will make the show that much better for the audience,” he said.
The Department of Theatre selected “Translations” based on faculty academic research interests and the artistic and professional development needs of the performance majors, according to Viker.
“This is very much an ensemble play without any lead roles in the conventional sense,” Vicker said.
Members of the cast include first-years Reisman, Brian Herrmann, Nolan Nightingale and Nick Cardillo, sophomores Kemah Armes and Daniel Reynolds, juniors Abby Conway and Violeta Migirov and seniors Michael Blaine and Mary Reddington.
The production opens on April 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Degenstein Center Theater.
Performances through April 22 will begin at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday matinee held on April 23 will begin at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 dollars for senior citizens and non-Susquehanna students. Student tickets are free. Those who wish to buy tickets in advance can do so at the box office.
