STEPHEN Fry calls it the best book ever written. Most claim it’s too difficult to read. What a shame. What are frustrated Dubliners to do? We may have found the answer.
Stories can be told and experienced in many different forms. One of Dublin’s most famous sons, James Joyce, chose the novel as his vehicle of expression, but perhaps in today’s world of constant stimulation, we need a better device to consume his challenging material. Enter stage left. A play. This time interactive, musical, dynamic.
Ulysses, as even those of us who have failed to tackle the 10-tonne tome know, tells the story of a day in the life of Leopold Bloom as he wanders throughout
Dublin encountering various interesting and colourful characters on his way.
Many more elements are involved in the book’s 18 episodes, but playwright Dermot Bolger, in his adaptation for the Abbey, chose to focus on two main story strands.
“One difficulty about adapting Ulysses is that it could expand into 50 plays… I needed to focus on two journeys”, says Bolger who cites his ideal audience as “those who always wanted to read Ulysses but felt daunted”. And so to what he and the director, Graham McLaren, have created.
When you enter to take your seat, the first thing you notice is the other audience members sitting on the stage, amongst the chaos, so you know it’s going to be interactive and playful.
What you’re probably not expecting is an evening full of belly laughs, at the outrageously funny lines and performances.
The cast are superb. And speaking of outrageous, prepare to be shocked (in a good way) at some of the century old language and situations which would have even the most clued in, modern day, internet savvy, street kid, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
Leave the chislers at home and let your guard down as you prepare for a thoroughly entertaining night at the theatre.
Ulysses has never been so accessible and enjoyable. It runs at the Abbey until July 21 and we award it a review score of 5 blooming stars.
Paul O’Rourke