Translations by Brian Friel (Full Moon Theatre)
Venue/Date of Show: bidding pilch HT26 wk 6/8
Content Warnings: discussions of violence and death
Deadline: Wednesday 19th November 23:59
1830s Donegal, Ireland a hedge school educating the local community is thrust into the consequences of British colonisation when Owen, the prodigal son, returns from Dublin. With him are two British army officers with a plan to map out all of Ireland and in doing so anglicise the original Gaelige (Irish) place names.
A brief romance takes place between the young soldier Lieutenant Yolland and local woman Máire, despite their inability to understand one another’s language, and becomes a poignant emblem of colonial incomprehension. When Yolland disappears, tensions erupt, and the play descends into tragedy, revealing how miscommunication and the politics of language fracture both personal and national identities.
Though written in English, Translations is a play that should be a translated work serving as a haunting reminder of how colonisation silences the native tongue. Its very form enacts the loss it depicts: an Irish story told in the coloniser’s language. At its core, Translations is about the power of language within erasure of culture a legacy that still actively harms
We are recruiting for the following roles to help us stage Friel’s play:
Production Manager (who will be working with Producer Emily Cullinan) – make sure all the practicalities of the show are running smoothly
Marketing Manager – help us get advertise and convince to both oxford students and the wider public to come see the show!
Welfare Officer(s) – look after the cast and crew during the rehearsal process and throughout show week
Lighting Designer and Assistant Lighting Designer – enhance the onstage action with some moody lights.
Sound Designer and Assistant Sound Designer – enhance the musical and emotional elements of the play
Set Designer and Assistant Set designer – the play is set in a hedge school, help bring that to life and also demonstrate the descent into cultural erosion on stage
Costume Designer and Assistant Costume Designer - set in 1830s Ireland you would be dressing both the locals and the army officers.
Musical Director – Irish storytelling is so grounded in music which will be a massive part of the production. Your role will include transposing modern Irish music into a trad Irish style and working with the actress playing Sarah who will be singing throughout the show.
Assistant Director – aid and support the director with casting and general creative decisions!
We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of experience, and we strongly encourage freshers and those from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We’re particularly keen to see applications from those who have experience with or interest in Irish theatre though this is definitely not a requirement!
If you have any questions, please contact Kate Burke (Director) at kate.burke@merton.ox.ac.uk or Emily Cullinan (Producer) emily.cullinan@exeter.ox.ac.uk so excited to hear from you all !!!
Link to Further Information/Sign Up Form: https://forms.gle/eDRHktdJvKs63hA88