Since its first performance in 1980, "Translations" has enthralled, entertained, informed and disturbed audiences around the world. Frequently performed in Ireland, England and the USA, it has been widely acclaimed by critics as a classic of modern drama. It was an instant success on its debut and has remained a popular play ever since, which seems to be at odds with its rather obscure subject matter. Set in a hedge school in a Gaelic-speaking area of north west Ireland, it is not the most obvious recipe for theatrical success. The events depicted in the play, involving an ordnance survey project and the introduction of a national system of elementary education, were unknown to the contemporary society, accept to small academic circles.

While the play was immensely popular, it was also deeply controversial, not least because it was found to contain some serious falsifications of historical facts. A critic, Sean...