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Community Arts : Bloomsday in Ranelagh, Dublin.

16th June....Bloomsday takes place every year in Dublin. The "inclined" young and old folk need no encouragement to don their Edwardian gladrags , and take to the streets of Dublin for fun and frolics, as they celebrate " James Joyce " with other Joyceans across the globe.

" Bloomsday Poster " on Mountpleasant Park railings, Ranelagh, Dublin 2012


But a little bit about Bloomsday..
Bloomsday celebrates the day on which the action of James Joyce’s novel Ulysses takes place, 16 June 1904, the day on which (we believe) Joyce first went out with his future wife, Nora Barnacle. The day is named after Leopold Bloom, the central character inUlysses. The novel follows the life and thoughts of Leopold Bloom and a host of other characters – real and fictional – from 8am on 16 June through to the early hours of the following morning. 


One of the earliest Bloomsday celebrations was a Ulysses lunch, organised by Sylvia Beach, publisher of Ulysses, and her partner Adrienne Monnier in France in June 1929. The first Bloomsday celebrated in Ireland was in 1954, the fiftieth anniversary of the first Bloomsday when the writers Patrick Kavanagh and Flann O’Brien visited locations like the Martello Tower at Sandycove, Davy Byrne’s pub, and 7 Eccles Street, reading parts of Ulysses and drinking a great deal as they went!Today, Bloomsday is celebrated by Joyceans across the globe with readings, performances, re-enactments, and a host of other events. In Dublin, enthusiasts dress in Edwardian costume and gather during the day at many of the locations where episodes ofUlysses take place. The James Joyce Centre hosts Bloomsday breakfasts (including kidney, which Mr Bloom eats for breakfast in the novel) and other events in the run up to June 16 as well as on the day.



We had a great day in Ranelagh. Ranelagh Arts Centre organised a very interesting day, incorporating as many Joycean events as possible.  


Bloomsday Poster 2012



















The celebrations took off in the rain at the Triangle at 1pm. Umbrellas were plentiful, and the rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the crowd. Thankfully, a gazebo had been erected for the performers and the sound equipment.  There were some wonderful performances including a rendition of “The Holy City” sung by Peter Dwan. 
Many of the ladies made the most of the occasion to wear their best "hat" - a simple accessory that does so much to change the whole energy of any rig out.
Later on in the Village Market,   readings of Joyce were greatly appreciated by all.



The lovely lady, playwright,  Miriam Gallagher read from Ulysses, in her own inimitable style. Miriam almost becomes the character she reads .
She was accompanied by two great musicians, Ciaran Tourish of Altan, and his nephew, Martin . It was easy feel transported by the strains of haunting Irish airs.

 Novelist Ronan Sheehan introduced  a centenary reading of “Exiles”, with much aplomb and wit , as only Ronan does.
Sweet and Dry Theatre Company then read  James Joyce’s “Exiles” , set in Ranelagh .The actors brought an every day love triangle into the realm of anything but "everyday", with their spine tingling readings.


After these events which were very well attended by local community , who then trundled off in their hats and 'kerchiefs to the nearest cafes for some sustenance and chat.
Bloomsday  was rounded off with a charming pop-up performance of “Molly Bloom” in the front area of Ranelagh Arts Centre. 
That evening finished with a  rehearsed reading of a brand new play entitled "Only Our Own" by the Focus Theatre.

David Noone and Eabha Rose ( aka James Joyce and Nora Barnacle) deservedly won the award for the best costume..they looked amazing.

I know the day’s events were pulled together  on a shoe string and with such a short lead-in time. As usual, Dublin City Council were supportive and willing to help cover the costs.
Fair play to the local communities across this wee country of ours these days  - people who are willing to brave any elements for some camaraderie and fun. 
Also fair play to so many artists who have performed and worked for almost nothing and nothing  ( and continue to do so ) - just to help  keep the spirit of creativity alive in these tough, recessionary days of 2012

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