listen to the epic RTÉ dramatisation
RTÉ’s 1982 dramatized production of James Joyce’s Ulysses is regarded as the definitive adaptation of the modernist novel. The audio work spans 29 hours and 45 minutes, mapping the June 16, 1904, experiences of Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom in Dublin, according to RTÉ records.
The production was originally broadcast to celebrate the centenary of Joyce’s birth. It chronicles a single ordinary day in the lives of its protagonists, a date that RTÉ notes coincides with Joyce’s first date with his future wife, Nora Barnacle.
How is the RTÉ production structured?
The adaptation follows the novel’s 18 chapters, each corresponding to the Homeric correspondence of the Odyssey. According to the production’s synopses, the first half focuses on the problems facing Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom, while the second half explores their solutions.
The narrative begins at 8 a.m. at the Martello Tower in Sandycove. It follows Stephen, a moody poet, and Leopold Bloom, a Jewish man living at No. 7 Eccles Street, as they move through Dublin.
The production details the complex interactions between characters, including the tension between Bloom and Blazes Boylan, and the eventual meeting between Bloom and Stephen. The story concludes at 2:30 a.m. on June 17 with the internal monologue of Molly Bloom.
Who created the 1982 dramatization?
Marcus Mac Donald recorded the production, which was directed by William Styles. Micháel Ó hAodha served as the Executive Producer, and P.J.O’Connor was the Head of Drama and Variety at RTÉ in 1982, according to production credits.
The cast featured the RTÉ Players, including Pegg Monahan, Patrick Dawson, Ronnie Walsh, and Brendan Cauldwell. Roland McHugh provided text consultation, while the episode synopses were written by Gerry O’Flaherty in 2004.
A 2020 production team, including Series Producer Kevin Reynolds and Gorretti Slavin, managed the modern digital presentation of the work.
Where can listeners find the Ulysses podcast?
The full dramatized book is available via RTÉ.ie/radio, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Listeners can access the 18 chapters as embedded audio or subscribe to the series as a podcast, according to RTÉ.
The audio is supplemented by the ‘Reading Ulysses’ accompaniment. Hosted by Gerry O’Flaherty and Fritz Senn, this series provides episode-by-episode exploration and includes contributions from Joseph O’Connor and Edna O’Brien.
What may happen next for the series?
Given the digital migration of the 1982 recordings, RTÉ may continue to expand its archive of James Joyce content at rte.ie/ulysses. Future listeners could use the ‘Reading Ulysses’ accompaniment to better navigate the difficult styles of the ‘Oxen of the Sun’ episode.
The availability of the work on major streaming platforms suggests a possible increase in accessibility for international students of modernist literature. Analysts may see this as a way to maintain the relevance of the centenary production for new generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total duration of the RTÉ production?
The full dramatized production totals 29 hours and 45 minutes.
Who are the primary characters in the story?
The book chronicles the passage of Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom through Dublin.
What is the ‘Reading Ulysses’ accompaniment?
It is a series hosted by Gerry O’Flaherty and Fritz Senn that explores the book episode by episode, featuring music analysis by Barry McGovern and contributions from Edna O’Brien and Joseph O’Connor.
Do you think a 29-hour audio production is the best way to experience a complex novel like Ulysses?