Joyce’s Women

One of Ireland's greatest writers turns her attention to the legacy of another.

Fire is the colour of genius.

In this audacious new work, Edna O'Brien gives voice to the women who were central to the life of James Joyce.

'James Joyce had been my ultimate hero for sixty years, but to paint the canvas of his life was daunting.

I love fire. Fire is the colour of genius.

In this audacious new work, Edna O'Brien gives voice to the women who were central to the life of James Joyce.

'James Joyce had been my ultimate hero for sixty years, but to paint the canvas of his life was daunting. Therefore I decided to depict him as seen by the key figures in his life - Mother, Wife, Mistress of a fleeting moment, his patron Harriet Weaver and his beloved Daughter Lucia, of whom he said her mind was but a transparent leaf away from his.'

Written to celebrate the centenary of Ulysses, Joyce's Women premiered at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, in September 2022. This revised edition includes changes made by the author during rehearsals and previews of the play's first production.