An Irish theatrical masterpiece is finding a powerful new voice in West Africa. Brian Friel’s celebrated play “Translations,” which explores the impact of British colonial rule in 19th-century Ireland, is being performed by a Senegalese cast in Dakar. The story, which centers on the anglicization of Gaelic place names, deeply resonates with actors and audiences in a nation also grappling with its own colonial linguistic legacy. This production arrives at a poignant moment, as Senegal and its neighbors actively reassess their ties to former colonial powers. For the Senegalese performers, the play’s themes of cultural identity, imposed languages, and tangled loyalties feel strikingly relevant, bridging the historical experiences of two distinct Atlantic nations. It’s a vivid reminder that the echoes of colonialism are both universal and deeply personal.
The Guardian
