At the intersection of language, longing, and loss, Brian Friel’s Translations charts a haunting exploration of cultural identity and the power of place. What does it mean when our heritage is re-named, our memories re-mapped?  Can we still find our way, and how do we avoid or include the outsiders that seek to change us – and, even more poignantly, those that wish to live among us?  Set in rural western Ireland in the 1830s, Translations evokes a timeless awareness of the fragility of home and the tragic beauty of our human entanglements.  It offers insights for this present moment as we traverse themes of migration and immigration, and what it takes to make peace with the “other” and with ourselves.

Director: Rose Carlson

 

HOW TO APPLY

Those auditioning should fill out this form to receive their in-person audition slot and further instructions by email. Please prepare one 2-minute monologue (or two 1-minute monologues).  We will also have cold readings from the script.  Be prepared to stay for at least 30 minutes.  We will do our best to respect everyone’s time and manage the flow of auditioners as seamlessly as possible.  Actors of all genders and backgrounds will be considered for all roles for this production.  Dialect experience is a plus, but not required!

 

Auditions will take place in person on the following dates: 

Thursday, January 29th from 6:30-9:00 pm

Saturday, January 31st from 10:00-1:00 pm

Tuesday, February 3rd from 6:30-9:00 pm

Callbacks will be held in person on Sunday, February 8th from 10-2 pm. If you are unable to attend this time or any of the audition slots, please indicate so in the form and we will reach out to you with possible alternatives. 

Callbacks, rehearsals, and performances will all take place at Chelsea Theatre Works.

If cast, all actors will receive a $200 stipend to be paid at strike on May 18th. Non-Equity only.

The Longwood Players encourages performers of all backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, ages, as well as performers with disabilities to audition.We are actively seeking actors and crew members of diverse backgrounds to include more voices in the world of this experience.

 

IMPORTANT DATES

Rehearsals: Rehearsals begin in late February and the production runs May 8-16, with strike on May 17.  Rehearsals will be on weekday evenings and weekend days. Specific rehearsals will be scheduled around cast availability.

Performances/Strike are scheduled for:

Friday, May 8th, 2026 at 8pm

Saturday, May 9th, 2026 at 3pm

Saturday, May 9th, 2026 at 8pm

Sunday, May 10th, 2026 at 3pm

Thursday, May 14th, 2026 at 8pm

Friday, May 15th, 2026 at 8pm

Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at 3pm

Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at 8pm

Strike: Sunday, May 17th, 2026

 

AVAILABLE ROLES

Manus, late 20’s/early 30’s, the school master’s oldest son, a teacher at the hedge school, intense with aspiration, but a bit down-trodden too

Sarah Johnny Sally, any age from 17-35, kind-hearted and wise and sorrowful, struggles to communicate verbally

Jimmy Jack Cassie, any age from 55-85, a lifelong bachelor, known as the Infant Prodigy, fluent in Latin and Greek, a scholar of the classics, he never washes or changes his clothes, alternates between foolish hilarity and deep meaning, the “wise fool” character

Maire Chatach, 20’s or early 30’s, a strong-willed and captivating woman who knows how to speak her mind

Bridget, 20’s or early 30’s, a fresh young girl, ready to laugh, vain, with a countrywoman’s instinctive cunning

Doalty Dan Doalty, 20’s or early 30’s, a jocular, open-minded, open-hearted, if sometimes bumbling, generous young man

Hugh, mid-50’s to mid-60’s, the school master, scholarly and serious with residual dignity and authority, shabbily kept; he has usually a large quantity of drink taken, though he is not necessarily drunk

Owen, 20’s, the younger of the school master’s sons, handsome and winsome; his manner is easy and charming, everything he does is invested with consideration and enthusiasm; he dresses smartly – a city man

Captain Lancey, middle-aged, a crisp English officer, expert in his field of cartography, but uneasy with people; his skill is with deeds and not words; he can be harsh and commanding

Lieutenant George Yolland, 20’s or early 30’s, English, kind and deferential, gangling with a somewhat shy and awkward manner; a soldier by accident