SOURCE: "Translations from Brian Friel," in The New York Times, 15 April 1981, Section III, p. 23.

In the review below, Rich states that Translations "has something profound to say about how words can determine the fates of ordinary people, nations and even centuries of history," but he faults the play's uneven structure and lack of depth in some characters.

It's not big news that Brian Friel, the Irish playwright, can write some of the most beautiful language to be heard in the contemporary theater. But in his new play, Mr. Friel has taken his love of words further still. Language is not just the dramatic currency of Translations—it is also the play's subject. What's more, the playwright has elevated his esthetic passion to a matter of life-and-death importance. Though Translations is a manifestly uneven piece of theater, it has something profound to say about how words can determine the...