Gibraltar: An adaptation after James Joyce's Ulysses

In 1922 British prosecutor Sir Archibald Bodkin read just 42 of the 732 pages of ‘Ulysses' before concluding that while he could not make "head nor tail" of it, it contained "unmitigated filth and obscenity", and ensured it was banned for over 14 years in Great Britain. While I have no real aversion to filth or obscenities, I must admit that I probably did not read half of what Bodkin did before admitting defeat to the modernist masterpiece. It's not that I have any objection to Joyce in general, ‘Dubliners' is a personal favourite but I find ‘Ulysses' rather daunting and allusive.
‘Gibraltar: An adaptation after James Joyce's Ulysses' offers a very appealing alternative for those who may be overwhelmed by the sheer density and obscurity of the original as well as a refreshing take on the classic for avid fans. Emerging theatre company Rose Upon the Rood Productions and Patrick Fitzgerald present this adaptation which opens in the heart of Joyce's Dublin on January 1st at The New Theatre. Fitzgerald plays the part of Leopold Bloom and also wrote this bittersweet two character play. Fitzgerald has a notable reputation in the world of theatre, having participated in numerous productions for the Irish Repertory Theatre, he has also won the Clarence Derwent Award for Hal Prince's ‘Grandchild of Kings'. Equally impressive, Cara Seymore who plays the part of his wife Molly Bloom has previously worked both on stage and screen and has been involved in award winning performances such as Mike Leigh's ‘Ecstasy' and ‘Now At The Hour of Our Death' and in films such as ‘An Education', ‘American Pyscho' and ‘Hotel Rwanda'. The pair has been working together on this project for over three years and have both received much praise for their portrayals of the couple in previous performances in both Philadelphia and New York. You may recognise Terry Kinney, co founder of the much applauded Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago and consultant director to ‘Gibraltar' from a range of on screen performances including ‘The Firm', ‘Sleepers' and ‘Save The Last Dance'. In addition to this he recently directed Broadway success ‘Reasons To Be Pretty' (2009), as well as 2008 film ‘Diminished Capacity'.
Offering an original and unique glimpse into the world of Ulysses, this play focuses solely on the bittersweet love story between ‘everyman' Leopold Bloom and his unfaithful wife Molly. While some elements of Joyce's ‘Ulysses' are omitted, this melancholic account of the Blooms' desire, love and regret offers a unique and accessible opportunity to better understand a timeless masterpiece and Joyce's enduring characters. Tickets only cost between €12 and €15 so why not enjoy this insightful adaptation in a fitting location which runs until January 15th.

Words: Sofie Rooney