Penelope is the conclusive episode of Ulysses and the first time Joyce explores the inner workings of Molly Bloom’s consciousness. Dog House Theatre provides an abridged adaptation of this episode wherein three female actors give voice to one woman. Separating strands of Molly’s thought process is an interesting notion, it draws a distinction between the somewhat incongruous nature of her mind’s language and enables each actor to express different aspects of her character.
A notable achievement of this production is its ability to maintain, for the most part, the lucid rhythm of Joyce’s writing in spite of the fact that Molly has now transmogrified into three young women from Los Angeles. Indeed, the way in which lines are interwoven and exchanged is seamless and worthy of commendation. However, there are countless moments within the performance when a particular sentiment is expressed simultaneously by all three actors and this, at times, appears clumsy. It is near impossible to create complete synchronicity by employing this technique. Most likely, Andre Carriere, the director, chose to do this in order to reinforce Molly’s presence as an individual. I doubt whether this was necessary. In fact, it would have been interesting if the actors had little interaction with one another, offering an alternate interpretation of the text.
For those familiar with Joyce’s novel, it will be pleasure to hear his language expressed by three promising young performers. Yet, without background knowledge of her estranged relationship with Leopold Bloom - Molly’s husband - or her affair with Blazes Boylan it may, at times, be hard to follow. Alternatively, this adaptation has the potential to leave a sense of curiosity in the minds of the audience and could serve as a gateway to read the novel itself.
