Now in their 32nd year of celebrating the annual event, Bloomsday in Melbourne, proudly bring their latest season to fortyfivedownstairs this June. Between The Lines – The James Joyce/Groucho Marx Letters is a story about a young scholar who makes the discovery of the century – letters between James Joyce and comedy legend Groucho Marx. Directed by Renee Palmer and written by Steve Carey, the play explores the cut-throat Joyce Industry where credit rarely goes to a woman.
Palmer’s involvement began when she was initially approached by Carey and during their first conversation he described the play being set in two worlds – 1937 and 1987. It was the challenge of playing and creating two very different worlds that she was ultimately drawn to.
Palmer explains that the scenes set in 1937 are letters written between Groucho Marx and James Joyce and are somewhat surreal, playful and melancholy. “My first thought was “Holy hell…What a challenge… where am I going to find an actor to play Groucho?” His gestures and look are iconic, so much so they have become stereotyped. But throughout the show we see glimpses of the private Groucho Marx. I wanted to know more about the iconic performer.”
In the 1987 world the scenes are led by two very strong female characters. One of which is a scholar, constantly fighting the sexism of male professors in Academia. The lead character Pandora, played by Seon Williams is extremely intelligent, passionate about her research and unapologetically determined. And Although 1987 is almost 40 years ago, Palmer laments that there is still unfortunately a lot of sexism in universities that still exist.
Palmer acknowledges that the story prods some issues that are quite sensitive, especially the way women are spoken about and how they are treated.
“As I mentioned the play is set in 1937 and 1987, and the themes we explore are unfortunately still valid today, perhaps even more so. I feel it’s important to face them head on and not shy away. We still face the same issues about power, who gets to have it, and who gets to hang on to it. The lead character Pandora does fight this, she embraces who she is, she understands the world she lives in, but she refuses to simply slot in, despite that being an easier option.
I feel many people can relate to this, because at the end of the day we all deserve to have our voices heard and to be listened too.”
Creating characters for the stage that are based on real people can be a challenge, so what should fans of the famous duo expect?
“These scenes are surreal and are from the point of view of Pandora’s imagination, so we were given a bit of leeway on how the two men interact with each other,” explains Palmer.
“Overall, despite their obvious differences, they are fascinated by each other’s creative process which allows them to respect the other’s work. However, we still had to research how both men present themselves in real life, as you would with any characters.
The wealth of knowledge at our fingertips from the Bloomsday in Melbourne group regarding James Joyce was invaluable. They were very generous with any questions we had.
Researching Groucho Marx required going beyond the ‘clown’ persona. In fact, through the research we discovered he wanted to be remembered as a serious writer, he wanted to be regarded as an intellectual.
Both men struggle emotionally and professionally and each of their work is very personal. This is what we chose to focus on; who are they in their private lives, how do they behave when they’re left alone with inner thoughts, what drives them both to succeed and what holds them back.”
Palmer describes Carey’s dialogue as a feast and a battle of wit between the characters.
“Steve is a writer who is in love with language. He is unafraid of creating dialogue that challenges his actors and the audiences. His writing is often humorous, but at the core it is deeply compassionate, creating a sense of empathy for his characters. He is interested in trying to understand what makes a person tick, understanding all sides of the person, which I believe makes each of the characters realistic, as he doesn’t attempt to hide or gloss over their flaws.”
Bloomsday is a hugely relevant and important tradition worldwide. It has been celebrated since 1929 and is an annual commemoration of Irish writer James Joyce, celebrated on the 16th of June, marking the date in 1904 when his famous novel Ulysses takes place.
Annual Bloomsday in Melbourne events began at 8am on the 16th of June 1994, at the State Library of Victoria with a Kidney breakfast.
Palmer says she knew of Bloomsday and had known about the Bloomsday in Melbourne due to friends who had worked with them. But when you step into this world only then do you begin to understand just how beloved and revered this one writer is. “You feel a slight pressure, but really they just want to share Joyce’s stories, so it’s hard not to get caught up in the passion.”
Palmer grew up with many Irish families around her and was familiar with James Joyce, but it’s only now that she has stopped to take the time to understand how unique he is as a writer. “The themes he was writing about early last century and his use of language were not only controversial but quite daring. I didn’t realise how sexually explicit Ulysses is! Trust me, everyone should read it.”
Palmer posits that at a time when creatives, especially writers, are impacted by the use of AI, original artistic practice has never been more important.
“Bloomsday in Melbourne cherishes language, original thought, exactly in the same way people cherish Shakespeare. Joyce’s writing is deeply personal – it is not perfect, but that’s the point. We need writers and creatives like this. We all need to be given the freedom to experiment and not be pressured to get it right, nor to be perfect. We need forums like the ones Bloomsday in Melbourne runs to discuss, debate, question, and to seek.
There is something special that comes from creating a community based on mutual interest and, in this case, mutual passion.”
Melbourne (Naarm) based director/producer/writer Palmer holds a Masters of Creative Industry (Melb. Polytech) creating works for The Melbourne Fringe Festival, Melbourne Comedy Festival, Next Wave Festival.
As a creative she says there’s not any one particular theme (or story) that appeals, however she is drawn to characters who are prepared to fight.
“Doesn’t have to be big political battles, usually it’s the inner battles that one faces. These characters are complicated and that’s what intrigues me as a director. No matter if it’s a drama or a comedy, I want to be challenged by the script, the character, and the story.
Having said that, the projects I’m attracted too is usually developing new work with an ensemble cast and the collaboration between writer, director, and actor.”
Between The Lines invites audiences on a heady journey as Pandora’s groundbreaking discovery is hijacked by the very mentor she trusted to protect it.
Says palmer, “There are so many layers to this show, so many plot twists and turns. Secrets are revealed and, as a result, there are unexpected consequences for certain characters. Although the audiences are stepping into two very distinct worlds, Steve Carey has managed to seamlessly connect the two. I also have to mention just how fantastic the actors, the designers, and the crew are. This show is definitely for fans of Joyce, but I strongly would add that the story goes beyond one man.
It is the struggles we all face, it explores human fragility, it is compassionate, and at times very humorous.”
June 17 – 21
www.fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/between-the-lines-the-james-joyce-groucho-marx-letters/
