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ED2013 4/5 Reviews ED2013 Theatre Reviews
Ulysses (Tron Theatre Company)
By Dave Fargnoli | Published on Thursday 22 August 2013
Attempting to stage James Joyce’s impenetrable modernist masterpiece is, like the novel itself, ambitious and quite possibly insane. On a spectacular, cluttered set the book’s numerous episodes are handled deftly and with appropriate irreverence, pared down to a succession of quick-fire fragments. Backed by an enthusiastic supporting cast taking on dozens of roles between them, Jean-Paul Van Cauwelaert invests long-suffering anti-protagonist Bloom with wit and sympathy. The production draws energy from humour and sight gags, but allows the musical language to speak for itself, successfully clarifying without simplifying the text. That said, anyone unfamiliar with Joyce’s work will still find this a bewildering experience. In that sense alone it’s a fine interpretation of the source material.
Paterson’s Land, until 26 Aug (not 19, 20), times vary.
tw rating 4/5 | [Dave Fargnoli]
