In Dakar’s national theatre, the haunting strains of an Irish jig intertwine with the soft melodies of a West African Fula flute, setting the tone for a performance that bridges continents and histories. The play is Translations, written by Irish playwright Brian Friel in 1980, and it explores the cultural and linguistic tensions of British colonial rule in 1830s Donegal. In this Senegalese adaptation, the production is performed in French, the cast is entirely local, and the costumes are crafted from vibrant African fabrics. Yet despite these changes, the play’s core themes, language, identity, and the legacy of colonialism, resonate powerfully with Senegalese audiences.
The story centers on British soldiers tasked with anglicizing Irish place names, a seemingly administrative act that carries deep cultural consequences. In Senegal, where French colonial rule similarly suppressed indigenous languages such as Wolof, the narrative strikes a familiar chord. The play’s exploration of how language can be used as a tool of domination and erasure mirrors Senegal’s own post-colonial journey. Cast members and viewers alike have drawn striking parallels between Ireland’s historical struggle and Senegal’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its linguistic and cultural heritage. One actor remarked that the play “shows the similarities between us and Ireland,” underscoring the shared experience of colonial subjugation and the enduring fight for self-definition.
This production of Translations is more than a theatrical performance, it is a cultural dialogue. As Senegal continues to assert its independence from former colonial influences and embrace its own identity, the play serves as a poignant reminder of the power of language and the importance of preserving cultural memory. By staging an Irish classic in a West African context, the production invites reflection on how stories from distant lands can illuminate local truths, fostering empathy and solidarity across borders. In connecting Donegal to Dakar, the play becomes a vessel for shared understanding, proving that the echoes of colonialism, and the resilience against it, are universal.