1929 Brian Friel born on January 9th in Killyclogher, County Tyrone, to Sean Friel, a primary-school principal, and Mary McLoone, a postmistress. 1939 Friel and his family move to Derry, his father’s home city. 1948 Friel graduates from St. … [Read more...] about Timeline of Brian Friel’s Life and Work
Translations: Production History
“Nations don’t die from a heart attack, they go mute first.” — Lina Kostenko, Ukrainian Poet Translations was first staged on September 23, 1980 as the inaugural production of the Field Day Theatre Company, founded by Brian Friel and Stephen Rea. The … [Read more...] about Translations: Production History
Historical Context for Translations
IRELAND IN 1833 “A map is a representation on paper – a picture – you understand picture?” — Lancey Translations takes place in 1833 as British soldiers survey the Irish-speaking community of BaileBeag/Ballybeg, the fictional Donegal town where Brian … [Read more...] about Historical Context for Translations
Glossary: Translations
When Brian Friel wrote Translations almost four decades ago, he included references that may be less familiar to people today. To ensure you're fully immersed in the world he envisioned, here are terms explained from the play: Hedge-school: Informal, … [Read more...] about Glossary: Translations
The Saviour Book Companion Guide
My name is Shannon and I got started with Irish Repertory Theatre in 2019 as a summer intern, and they haven’t been able to shake me yet! These days, I work as a librarian, and therefore have some recommendations for further reading for fans of The … [Read more...] about The Saviour Book Companion Guide
Brian Friel (1929-2015)
Brian Friel was a dramatist and writer often referred to as the ‘Irish Chekhov’ for his plays exploring social and political life in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Over the course of a career spanning more than sixty years, Friel … [Read more...] about Brian Friel (1929-2015)