Ulysses Ballads

A recital of new and original ballads by Val O’Donnell written to the airs of music mentioned in Ulysses on Thursday, 11th June at 1.30pm at the Dublin City Central Library. The performance will include a selection from 18 More Ballads After James Joyce’s Ulysses by Val O’Donnell published this year.

The ballads are a collection of new and original ballads written to the airs of music mentioned in Ulysses or otherwise connected with James Joyce and his work. The subjects of the ballads are characters who are featured in the novel. Performed by Val, Susie Kennedy, Joe Ryder, and Andrew Basquille.

Val O’Donnell has a connection with the theatre for over 50 years as an actor, director and adaptor of Irish literature. In 2011, Val established The JoyceStagers Theatre Company to perform his adaptations from the works of James Joyce. The JoyceStagers have performed “The Funeral of Paddy Dignam,” adapted by Val from the 6th episode of Ulysses, annually on Bloomsday at Glasnevin Cemetary. They have also performed his adaptations from Episodes 8, 12, and 16 at various locations in Dublin during the Bloomsday Festival. Val has a lifelong interest in music and plays piano. Email him at donnellvalo@gmail.com.

The event is free but booking is essential.