NOVEMBER 29 – DECEMBER 10

MALTHOUSE THEATRE PRESENTS FLYING PENGUIN PRODUCTIONS’


By Brian Friel
Direction David Mealor
With William Allert, Michaela Cantwell, Elena Carapetis, Lizzy Falkland,
Patrick Frost, John Kelly, Andrew Martin, Dominic Pedlar, Geoff Revell,
Stephen Sheehan and Rory Walker
Set and Costume Design Kerry Reid
Lighting Design Geoff Cobham
Music The Audreys
Producer David Mealor

Ireland 1833. One Country: Two Cultures. One Family: Two Brothers.
One Love: Two Languages.
What is lost in translation will change their lives forever.

Following a sell out season in Adelaide 2005, The Malthouse Theatre continues
its commitment to bringing the best in contemporary theatre from around
Australia and the world to Melbourne audiences, as it proudly presents South
Australian based, Flying Penguin Productions acclaimed presentation of the
contemporary classic of Irish drama, Translations by Brian Friel.

Brian Friel is Ireland’s greatest living playwright and his masterpiece
Translations was recently nominated by The National Theatre, London’s Board
of Review as one of the 25 most significant plays of the 20th Century

Set amidst the turbulent Ireland of the 1830’s, Translations takes place at a
hedge school in the mythical town of Baile Beag in County Denegal. In a nearby
field, in the name of the Royal Ordinance Survey, British Troops have begun to
map rename the entire country – translating the local Gaelic language and place
names into English. Their arrival and these actions upset the balance and
tranquillity of the families and those who attend the school, with far – reaching
and unforseen consequences for all.

Translations is a gripping and tumultuous story about the power and limitation of
language and its relationship to identity, history, memory and love. It goes to the
heart of the power of ‘ local’ language, and the things that make us who we are.
It questions the sins of cultural imperialism, as language becomes both a bridge
and a barrier for a small local community on the brink of inevitable change. It
was first performed in 1980 in a production that launched the careers of
Hollywood stars Liam Neeson and Stephen Rae.

Brian Friel is widely acknowledged as Ireland’s greatest living playwright and
his work has been performed continuously around the world for over 40 years.
Friel’s plays often deal with notions of identity, truth and communication. His
most famous plays include Dancing at Lughnasa, The Faith Healer and The
Freedom of the City.

Translations is produced by, and is the directing debut of David Mealor
(Producer of acclaimed productions Killer Joe, The Duck Shooter, The
Caretaker and 4.48 Psychosis, and Adelaide Critics Circle 2004 Nominee
for Outstanding Individual Achievement).

He leads a true ensemble of South Australian actors including William Allert,
Michaela Cantwell, Elena Carapetis, Lizzy Falkland, Patrick Frost, John Kelly,
Andrew Martin, Dominic Pedlar, Geoff Revell, Stephen Sheehan and Rory
Walker, with the music of award-winning Australian band, the three-piece
roots act, The Audreys; set and costume by Kerry Reid; and lighting by Geoff
Cobham.

Translations is presented by Malthouse Theatre in conjunction with Flying Penguin Productions, a South Australian Theatre Company dedicated to forging new opportunities for the state’s leading actors. It supports full productions, work - shops and master classes, aimed at extending and enriching the theatre practice of South Australia’s leading actors - seeing their development and growth as crucial to the future of the State’s theatre industry. To this end, the power and poignancy and the ensemble opportunities that Translations offers, make it the perfect choice of play for this new company.

"A night of drama to be savoured… Brilliant Theatre"
The Adelaide Sunday Mail

"In his debut as director, David Mealor has created a first rate production
and left those of us fortunate enough to have seen it with many meaningful
Translations of our own"
The Adelaide Review

Venue: Beckett Theatre, CUB Malthouse
Season Details: November 29 – December 10 2006
Preview: Wednesday 29 November 7.30pm
Opening: Thursday 30 November 7.30pm
Performance Times: Tuesday 5 December 8pm, Wednesday – Saturday
7.30pm, Sunday 5pm. Matinees – Thursday 7 December 1.00pm, Saturday 2 & 9
December 1.00pm
Tickets: $15 - $45 + booking fee

Bookings: Malthouse Box Office 9685 5111/ www.malthousetheatre.com.au

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Peter Bridges
03 9534 0585
0417 390 180
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Pia Johnson, Media Assistant
03 9685 5175
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