Translations: relationships between performers and audience

Engagement of the Audience

Irony: The play uses irony to engage the audience and reflect the complex nature of colonialism. The British soldiers who are supposed to translate Irish place names end up needing translations themselves, evidence of the problematic nature of cultural imperialism.
Dramatic irony: This is employed to create a sense of empathy towards the characters. For instance, the audience knows of Yolland’s untimely disappearance before Owen, evoking sympathy for Owen and his impending anguish.

Challenging the Audience

Complex Characters: ‘Translations’ challenges the audience’s assumptions by presenting complicated, multifaceted characters. Lieutenant Yolland is the colonising British soldier, but his respect for Irish culture and language invite the audience to reconsider stereotypes.
Political Commentary: The play prompts the audience to reflect on historical and contemporary political issues, such as language imposition and cultural erasure, creating an intellectual challenge.

Creating Suspense and Tension

Conflict: The conflicts between the characters - Manus and Owen’s tension, Yolland’s disappearance - not only highlight the personal impact of colonialism but also keep the audience on the edge of their seat.
Narrative Surprise: Unexpected events, like Yolland’s sudden disappearance and subsequent search, add a level of unpredictability, heightening audience suspense.

Utilising Language and Dialogue

Language Barrier: The audience, like the characters, experiences the language barrier, evoking empathy. They hear English but the onstage characters perceive it as Irish, demonstrating the disconnection created by language differences.
Double Translation: The two translations of place names, literal and Anglicised, echo the struggle between valuing original cultural significance and imposing dominant culture.

Employing Stagecraft and Set

Single Set: The entire play is set within the hedge school, acting as a microcosm of wider Irish society. The confined space allows for more focused audience connection with the unfolding events.
Visible Props: Props like maps and the list of place names serve as visual reminders of the play’s central themes, making the experience more immersive and engaging for the audience.