EIU Media Relations

EIU Theatre Arts' 'Translations' to Explore Importance of Language

Eastern Illinois University's Department of Theatre Arts will present "Translations," a hauntingly lyrical play that deals with many issues, including language's effect on the soul of a nation.

Performances are set for 7 p.m. Nov. 12, 13, 15 and 16, as well as 2 p.m. Nov. 14, in the Black Box Theatre of EIU's Doudna Fine Arts Center.

The play was written by Brian Friel, the acclaimed playwright of "Dancing at Lughnasa."

"Translations," set in 1833 Ireland, tells of the British army’s campaign to replace the native Gaelic with English. Against a beautiful backdrop, a British lieutenant sent to anglicize the country falls in love with an Irish girl, the language he is supposed to suppress, and Ireland itself.

EIU's production is directed by Jean Wolski, with set and light design by David Wolski. Elyse Waggoner, a student from Lawrenceville, is in charge of costume design, under the direction of EIU theatre arts professor Karen Eisenhour. Shelly Hanson, a student from Morris, is serving as dramaturg for the production under the supervision of theatre arts Associate Professor Christopher Mitchell, thanks to a grant from the Honors College.

Tickets are $12 for the general public, $10 for EIU employees and senior citizens, and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased in person at Doudna Fine Arts Center Box Office, by telephone at 217-581-3110, or online at http://www.doudnatix.com.

The Doudna Fine Arts Center is a division of the EIU College of Arts and Humanities. For more information on the facility and scheduled events, please see http://www.eiu.edu/doudna.