From California to New York, in Paris, Dublin, and Melbourne, scholars and fans of James Joyce around the world celebrate Bloomsday. The
first Bloomsday celebration whether in Paris or Dublin is often disputed, however, certainly for half a century or more, readers have gathered for week-long seminars and Bloom-like meals. They walk the streets and reenact a day in the life of Leopold Bloom, James Joyce's central character from his novel
Ulysses.
Bloomsday participants find new revelations brought forth because of their annual study and focus on the novel. Joyce's
Ulysses is an evolving marvel for all readers--long-time enthusiasts and novices. Its popularity gets stronger each year.
Join in the Bloomsday celebrations, and check out these Web sites. If you are unable to attend one of these celebrations, look in your newspaper for local events, or consider gathering a few of your friends and fellow Joyce enthusiasts and create a Bloomsday celebration of your own.
Dublin
Bloomsday 2000 Sandycove their 45th Bloomsday celebration and many fun events.
Melbourne
Bloomsday in Melbourne 2000 focuses on the Antipodean--on what is "other-footed," upside-down.
New York
Bloomsday on Broadway
From 7 p.m. until midnight on June 16, at Symphony Space in Manhattan, distinguished actors will read from Joyce's Ulysses. A live, online broadcast of this event at www.wnyc.org is planned.
Pennyslvania
Bloomsday 2000 @ the Rosenbach
Philadelphia residents and tourists will gather from noon to 6 p.m. at the Rosenbach Museum to celebrate Bloomsday with readings from Ulysses.
Other Web sites of Interest
International James Joyce Symposium
Goldsmiths College, University of London
June 24-30, 2000
The seventeenth annual international symposium will include many scholarly and social events including a tour of Joyce's London.
James Joyce Summer School
July 9-21, 2000
Newman House, St. Stephen's Green in the heart of Dublin is an appropriate place for the annual Summer School. This unique setting where Joyce attended university allows students to focus on Joyce's works and his influence on contemporary fiction in Ireland and elsewhere. The two-week study includes lectures and seminars relating Joyce and his works with contemporary Irish culture. Summer School is a mix of cultural, academic, and social events.
The International James Joyce Foundation
Begun on Bloomsday, June 16, 1967 in Dublin, Irleand, this organization encourages scholarship, criticism, and study in regard to the life, work, and career of James Joyce. The foundation is fundamental in coordinating communication among scholars, critics, teachers, students, and general readers.
