“Shades of Joyce” features theater students from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross BFA program. The cast includes Henry Dwyer as Joyce, Mia Fraboni as Narrator, Justin Hofstad as Dr. De Selby, Pico Jogalla as Mick, Christopher Klinger as Dr. Crewett, and Christian Navarro as Father Cobble.
“This is a fascinating theatrical piece that combined with the other elements of the program provide an entertaining portrait of Joyce with references to Ulysses,” said Angelo Fraboni. director of the Madison Theatre. “This event is not just for the Joyce people who certainly know the material. The general public will come away with a greater understanding and appreciation of Joyce and his groundbreaking legacy, along with an appreciation of Ulysses, a book that was way ahead of its time. Joyce was incredibly smart and witty and even if you don’t understand Ulysses, you can certainly appreciate the genius of the man.”
Joyce, in the form of a cutout figure, will be waiting to greet visitors upon arrival at the theater. All those Joyceans out there can have a photo taken with this lifesize version of the author. The college’s art students are also participating, with an exhibition, “James Joyce: Portal of Discovery,” on display in the art gallery nearby.
“Bloomsday, which marries a recent work with the classic nature of Ulysses, all the while highlighting the tremendous life of James Joyce, is a perfect vehicle for Molloy’s Irish Institute,” said Catherine Muscente, Director of the Irish Institute. “We established the Institute in 2009 so that we could celebrate and preserve our rich Irish heritage, and Bloomsday helps us achieve both of those goals.”