Acclaimed Northern Irish actor Liam Neeson has shared some words of encouragement ahead of a new production of Brian Friel's Translations in Belfast.
The Lyric Theatre patron, who has personal ties to the play, said it "echoes of our shared history have shaped us".
The co-production with Abbey Theatre is set to open at the Lyric Theatre next week.
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In 1980, Neeson performed the character of Doalty in the premiere of Translations by Field Day Theatre Company at the Guildhall, Derry.
The company was an artistic collaboration between Brian Friel and Stephen Rea.
Liam Neeson said: "Back in 1980, I played the part of Doalty in Brian Friel’s new play Translations for Field Day Theatre Company which opened at the Guildhall in Derry.
"It was a vital work of theatre then and remains so today.
"It depicts with compassion and ingenious stage-craft the vibrancy of language, the complexity of love and the destruction of colonial expansion.
"It shows how the echoes of our shared history have shaped us."
He continued: "It is, in its perfectly compact way, a true Irish epic.
"Later this month, a major new production of Translations opens at the Lyric Theatre, and then plays at the Abbey Theatre. It’s a partnership that has been forged between the main theatre in the north and the main theatre in the south, and will then go on to tour venues throughout Ireland during the summer.
"I would like to send on my hearty congratulations and best wishes to the entire company of Translations, in safe hands with Caitriona and Jimmy, and the whole team at the Lyric."
Liam’s message comes the day after his surprise cameo appearance on episode one of the Channel 4 hit comedy Derry Girls.
He started his career at the Lyric Theatre under its pioneering founder Mary O’Malley and has been a long-standing patron and supporter of the Lyric and its work.
In this forthcoming production, Doalty will be played by Andy Doherty, who trained at the Lyric Drama Studio.
Translations will run at Lyric Theatre April 23 - May 29 and Abbey Theatre June 13- August 13 followed by an Ireland tour to Limerick, Galway and Donegal.
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