Translations Act I

I’ve read several plays over the course of my academic experience. In the past I’ve read Hamlet, Henry IV Part I, Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar. However, the plays I’ve read have all been Shakespearean, so I’ve never got to experience what it was like reading a more modern play. “Translations” introduced me to characters living in Ireland in a time when formal education was not yet set into law. The characters all attend ‘hedge-school’ located in an abandoned barn.

The moment in Act I that stood out the most to me was when the characters were discussing the new law that was to be set where all children had to attend school starting at the age of six and ending at the age of twelve. The characters seemed appalled that this idea of year long school was even being discussed. If only they were around today, where people attend school much past the age of twelve.

When the characters discussed what the school would be like and how they were going to eliminate the Irish language and promote English, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a book that I’m currently reading for Anthropology. In my book the Eveny culture is discussed. These people live in the taiga of Russia, residing in below freezing conditions. The Eveny people send their children to school in the main village, where the children are enforced to not embrace their heritage. Much like the Irish people, their culture is looked down upon, and the administrators try to conform them to their standards.

So far the first Act has caught my attention and made me want to read more. I’m excited that I can follow along in the book, and not get as lost as I usually do when reading plays. I’m interested to see if any of the characters begin attending a formal school and what their reactions will be.