6.17.2011

Bloomsday

An actress in the mirror reading from Ulysses 

and a scene with Leopold and Molly Bloom.

 After the reading

a stroll and a bite

in the city.

"What is a home without Plumtree's potted meat?  Incomplete!  With it, an aboad of bliss"
                                                                                  -Ulysses
 
Bloomsday, June 16th, is like Christmas to people who love the writing of James Joyce and especially the book Ulysses.  I would never have known this except that Mr. Husband is one of them.  The scene:  Joyce enthusiast gather for readings of Ulysses in locations all around the world.  Sometimes the excerpts are read aloud, and sometimes they're read and acted out like here in SF. Who knew?  Even if you have never read the book (like me) it is still an interesting scene, unusual, and something out of the ordinary to see.  My favorite parts are the old library where it's held, the wooden spiral staircase, the tiny scones and strawberries, the period costumes and theatrics, and crowd watching.  Afterward it's mandatory to stroll slowly and search for dinner.

More on Bloomsday here and here.     

14 comments:

Mlle Paradis said...

oh.....and a little bit of Guinness? yes please!

Denise | Chez Danisse said...

Ah...at Mechanics', very cool.

nadine paduart said...

what a terrific initiative. and you've certainly succedded in offering us the atmosphere of the date... never read ulysses either, but i think i'd appreciate these scenes very much too.
n♥

shayndel said...

Definitely transporting, just `reading` your photos, what a great event it looks like, thanks for taking us along!

Francesca said...

I've never read the book either, and I would love to join an event that combines literature, acting, food, and casual gatherings.

Dorte said...

what an interesting event. never read the book though :)

Unknown said...

I did, I read it! I manage to do...and I liked!
Strange but like it.
And the idea of Bloomsday...strange...but beautiful!

;) said...

Bloomsday sounds mysterious for me, but I like the lovely and amazing scenes, from your time machine (?) I have never read Ulysses, but it's on my list (since...).

n said...

It sounds interesting... These are lovely fun pictures!!
Thank you for your kind comment on my blog, Janis!

Sophie Munns said...

THis sounds like a fantastic event to look forward to Janis!!!
What delight to come visit and imagine coming along with you to this!

Anonymous said...

sounds like a great way to get lost for awhile! i used to be an usher at ACT (for way too long) and loved (most) of it.
is that belden place? where the diners are seated?

Janis said...

Ursula - How fun to be an usher, what a great way to see shows. Oh you probably have some great stories to tell!

The Joyce event was at the Mechanics Library, one of those great old SF buildings in the financial district. There are two more events coming up at the MI in July that we will probably attend. If you're in town maybe you'd like to check them out too (let me know if you do! :) And Belden Place... I've heard the name but know nothing about it. I will investigate - thanks for that!

http://www.milibrary.org/events/bastille
http://www.milibrary.org/events/paris-portraits-july-28

Janis said...

Ursula - dingy me... that is Belden Place in my photos!

Sohvi said...

Sounds great! I immediately started to think about some Finnish book that would be suitable for that...

Love.