CHICAGO — If you'd like to learn more about legendary Irish writer James Joyce but intimidated by his 732-page magnum opus "Ulysses," Friday is your lucky day.
A troupe of actors and musicians will bring the epic 1922 novel to life at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., in Mayfair, with the Rattlin' of the Joists Bloomsday Celebration at 7 p.m.
A rotating cast of actors will read excerpts from "Ulysses," mixed with "songs and music closely associated with Joyce," according to program director Josephine Craven. A harpist will perform "I Dreamt That I Dwelt in Marble Halls" which is sung in a short story from "Dubliners," Joyce's other well-known work.
Brian O'Brien, the Consul General of Ireland, will attend Friday's event as a special guest, organizers said.
"Bloomsday" refers to June 16, 1904, the date described in "Ulysses" when Joyce met his future wife. "Modern Joyce aficionados" continue to celebrate the day to "honor his controversial and thought-provoking works," according to a description of Friday's event.
Tickets for the event can be bought online for $15, or at the door for $20.