Nora and Jim is presented by The Irish Sea, in association with the Contemporary Irish Arts Center, Los Angeles (CIACLA) with ongoing guidance and support from Kevin Cronin and Dublin Theatre Productions. Written by Nora Connolly. Directed by Ronan Wilmot. Musical accompaniment by Dermot Kiernan. Produced by Marcus Fox.
As a prelude to Bloomsday, Playwright Nora Connolly and Director Ronan Wilmot present Nora and Jim, a poignant and lyrical play relating the intense and often troubling relationship between celebrated Irish writer James Joyce (Johnny O’Callaghan) and his muse and wife Nora Barnacle (Lisa Dobbyn).
The play is narrated by both characters, mainly by Nora. It’s a recollection of their continuous travels through London, Paris, Zurich, Pula, Trieste, and Rome. It’s an entertaining depiction of Joyce’s struggles as a writer and his sexual obsession with Nora. Analyzing his writings, the sexual undertones of his work relates to his understanding of human nature. For Joyce, the imagination and sexual instinct are two of the most powerful driving forces in life.
Joyce’s genial writings, however, were met with scrutiny and he struggled to secure a fixed income. Two kids and health issues made it even more difficult for the couple to be financially stable. In addition, Joyce spent the little money they had on alcohol, stressing Nora’s frustrations with him.
The play has numerous references to Joyce’s writings. As they moved around, he continued to write and look for publishers willing to accept his radical views on religion and politics, especially his criticism of Catholicism and British colonialism. Working in a bank and as a teacher, he finished writing Dubliners, Stephen Hero, Ulysses, and Exiles. All of this while experiencing a declining health and dealing with the mental instability of his daughter Lucia. Other challenges included living through the two most devastating wars of the 20th century, WWI and WWII.
On June 6th, The Glendale Room was the stage for Nora and Jim; it’s a small space that makes it feel even more intimate, like a private and exclusive performance. A touch of class to the production is the background music by Dermot Kiernan, playing a selection of traditional Irish pieces from the era.
Featuring an exciting all-Irish team, this production offers poetry and comedy in a sophisticated theatre experience not to be missed. It’s a moving performance to celebrate one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. James and Nora’s legacy continue to inspire people from all over the world. It’s a story of romance, eroticism, radicalism, and more importantly, a reflection of the human experience.
Nora and Jim
Performances at The Glendale Room
The Glendale Room – 127 Artsakh Avenue, Glendale 91206
WHEN: June 6th, 7th, 8th,13th, 14th, 15th @ 8:00PM
Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/nora-and-jim-tickets
Performances at The Hollywood Fringe Festival
The Broadwater Studio -1078 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, CA 90038
WHEN: June 9th @12:30pm
June 16th @ 2:00pm (*special Bloomsday performance)
June 17th @ 9:30pm
Tickets: hollywoodfringe.org/projects
Written by Nora Connolly. Directed by Ronan Wilmot. Musical accompaniment Dermot Kiernan. Produced by Marcus Fox. Presented by The Irish Sea, in association with the Contemporary Irish Arts Center, Los Angeles (CIACLA) with ongoing guidance and support from Kevin Cronin and Dublin Theatre Productions.
Cast: Lisa Dobbyn and Johnny O’Callaghan.
