On June 16, a date known as Bloomsday, Chicago joined literary enthusiasts worldwide in celebrating James Joyce’s iconic novel, Ulysses. This annual event commemorates the day depicted in Joyce’s groundbreaking work, which has become synonymous with literary exploration and adventure.
The evening unfolded at the Galway Arms in Lincoln Park, where a community of Joyce fans and curious observers gathered for the annual ‘Bloomsday in Chicago’ event, hosted by playwright Jeff Helgeson since 2004. This year’s celebration featured vibrant performances leading up to a planned production of Ulysses in Nighttown alongside the release of Do It Yourself Ulysses from Puddin’head Press.
Joyce’s Ulysses, published in 1922, remains a landmark in modern literature, often praised and criticized for its unconventional narrative style and dense literary references. The novel, inspired by Homer’s The Odyssey, portrays a single day in the life of Leopold Bloom, a Jewish Everyman in Dublin. Each of the 18 episodes presents a unique glimpse into Bloom’s existence and his interactions with a variety of Dublin residents.
Under the cozy ambience of the venue adorned with rich artwork, patrons were treated to a delightful mix of dramatic readings and traditional Irish music. The evening began with host Rory Barton, who set the tone for the gathering by declaring, “It’s now 8 a.m. June 4, 1904,” encompassing the momentous beginning of Bloom’s day.
The cast, encompassing members of the Hyde Park Community Players, animated the narrative with spirited readings drawn from Joyce’s nearly 800-page work. The audience was engaged as they experienced pivotal moments from Ulysses, condensed into a show lasting just under three hours, which included an introduction featuring beloved Irish classics like “Star of the County Down” and “Down by the Salley Gardens.”
In a spirited atmosphere, the performers took turns reciting snippets from the text, each bringing their unique interpretation to the characters. Attendees dressed in Joycean attire, with one young woman notably wearing a straw hat adorned with a black band stating “Davy Byrne’s,” referencing the pub where Bloom famously ordered a Gorgonzola sandwich.
Among the talented cast was Frank Roberts, who vividly portrayed Stephen Dedalus, Joyce’s alter ego. Dressed in a flat cap and bowtie, he embodied the youthful aspiring writer attempting to navigate the complexities of life in Dublin. Another standout was Courtney Reid Harris, whose energetic delivery of the infamous ‘Nausicaa’ episode captivated the audience. This particular section of Ulysses faced controversy when it was serialized by The Little Review in 1918, leading to a seizure and subsequent obscenity trial for the magazine’s editors.
Howard Raik took on the role of Bloom with sensitivity, capturing the character’s vulnerability as he traversed the Dublin landscape encountering myriad experiences, both humorous and poignant. The night reached a haunting pinnacle during the Circe episode, set in Dublin’s red-light district, where Bloom assisted a fallen Stephen, confronting visions of their respective deceased loved ones, adding a dramatic depth to the performance.
The celebration culminated in a raucous conclusion featuring Molly Bloom’s famous soliloquy, a powerful affirmation epitomized by her repeated ‘Yes.’ The crowd erupted in applause, reveling in the shared experience fueled by camaraderie and the spirit of Joyce’s remarkable narrative.
As the night wrapped up and attendees embraced the unseasonably chilly evening, the city’s Joycean enthusiasts left with a promise to return next year, eager for another opportunity to delve into the complex world of Ulysses, even if it means holding off on the kidneys for another occasion.
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