Texts in context - The backdrop of Brian Friel's play Translations is the arrival of the British army to make maps of Ireland, starting with Co Donegal in the north. Meanwhile, in a makeshift school Hugh O'Donnell continues to teach pupils of all ages and abilities: from Jimmy, an old man who is fluent in classical languages, to Maire, a young woman who wants to learn English. The action accelerates when Hugh's son, Owen, returns. He introduces two British officers, then reveals that he'sworking with them, helping to explain Irish place-names and formulate their English translations.