Translations: actor Michael Fitzgerald dismissed for "harsh physical contact."

The New York Times has reported that actor Michael Fitzgerald was dismissed last week from the Manhattan Theatre Club's production of Translations for "harsh physical contact."

According to the report Fitzgerald, who plays Dolty, was dismissed "for handling another actor, Geraldine Hughes, too roughly during a scene in which he physically confronts her."

A statement, released by the production said that Fitzgerald "failed to heed written notes from stage management to cease uncalled for harsh physical contact."

The role of Dolty is now being played by an understudy Jeremy Bobb.

Translations, by Brian Friel, opened at the Biltmore Theatre on 25 Jan 2007, following previews from 4 Jan and closes this week, on 11 Mar 2007.

The play opened to excellent notice: New York Theatre Guide said "beautiful, funny, and deeply poignant,"; New York times called it "nothing short of glorious,� and the Associated Press printed "It's an extraordinary play, emotionally satisfying and intellectually bracing."

You can read more of what the critics said here.

Translations: Set in Donegal in 1833, the play tells the story of a small community on the brink of irrevocable change. Most of the action takes place in the home of learned but doddery Hedge School master Hugh O�Donnell, where, in accordance with British law, Catholic pupils are taught classics and mathematics.

The cast, directed by Garry Hynes, also features Niall Buggy, David Costabile, Alan Cox, Dermot Crowley, Morgan Hallett, Susan Lynch, Graeme Malcolm, and Chandler Williams.

Set and costume design by Francis O�Connor, with lighting by Davy Cunningham and sound by John Leonard.