**** Let me start this review by saying that while the production of “Translations” now onstage at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, is indeed a wonderful one, the play, written by Brian Friel, may not appeal to everyone. The story is  history (taking us back to the early 1800’s, almost 200 years ago) in County Donegal in Ireland. The people of this community are happy and very set in their ways. The headmaster, Hugh ( a delightful character created by Kevin Guidahl) and one of his sons, Manus ( played to perfection by Andrew Mueller) are the local teachers, teaching Latin and Greek. Hugh has another son, Owen ( deftly handled by Casey Hoekstra) who is employed by the English army as a translator. It is his arrival with the British army that changes the direction of the story and the people.

Change is never easy. Even today, many people find themselves unable to change direction as the political world has changed direction. Try to imagine how you would feel if you could not understand those who are taking over your place in life. In fact, one of the things about this sterling production as directed by Braden Abraham is the handling of the scenes when there is what appears to be a lack of communication, although, we the audience “get it”. There were a few places where some people got lost, so if they had done as the opera does and posted the words being said ( or translations of same), that may have helped.

The language barrier is unique and in fact the opening scene in the second act between Maire ( a delightful performance by Tyler Meredith) and her English soldier suitor, Lieutenant Yolland ( a delightful performance by Erik Hellman) is hysterical. This couple has taken to each and love is in the air, but they have no way of saying the right words to each other. This was a rip-snorting, laugh a minute scene that shows the power of love.

I am not one to give away sub-stories in a play, but if one pays close attention in the early scenes of the play, one will see that Manus just might have a “thing” about Maire, or the feeling that his brother does. Just think about that for late in the second act when the Captain of the British Army, played by Gregory Linington, arrives seeking his Lieutenant while threatening the town and everyone in it.

The story relies on a strong ensemble to make the characters seem alive. Jonathan Weir is a great crusty old man, Jimmy Jack, Julia Rowley is a wonderful Sarah, Ian Mayfield plays the comical Doalty to perfection and Chloe Baldwin is a smashing Bridget. This ensemble takes us to several levels dealing with communications and how it effects us in bridging gaps, finding romance, understanding others and discovering ourselves and our limitations.

Andrew Boyce’s set is wonderful and gives us the feeling that we are in a rural area during a period in time long ago. The lighting (Maximo Grano De Oro) is spot on and the sound (Andre Pluess) perfect. Janice Pytel’s costumes are of the era and while many audience members were upset about the lack of shoes on many of the villagers, this is of little importance. They were poor and for the most part had very few places to go. It is the characters and their relationships that are the key to this story and worth the 2 hours and 20 minutes to wonderful storytelling.

“Translations” will continue thru  – May 4th with performances as follows: