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ERS's Abridged Ulysses Opens at the Public Theater to Strong Reviews

Critics praise the brisk, design-driven staging as an inviting entry point for Joyce newcomers.

Overview

  • The Off-Broadway production opened January 25 at the Public Theater’s Martinson Hall under the Under the Radar festival, with performances scheduled through March 1.
  • Elevator Repair Service condenses Joyce’s novel into about two hours and 40 minutes, sequencing curated scenes across all 18 chapters in a fast-moving format.
  • John Collins directs with co-direction and dramaturgy by Scott Shepherd, leading a seven-actor ensemble: Dee Beasnael, Kate Benson, Maggie Hoffman, Vin Knight, Shepherd, Christopher-Rashee Stevenson, and Stephanie Weeks.
  • Reviews highlight lively performances, humor, and clarity that make the show accessible for first-timers while offering layered references for devoted readers.
  • Design credits include scenic work by dots, costumes by Enver Chakartash, lighting by Marika Kent, sound by Ben Williams, projections by Matthew Deinhart, and props by Patricia Marjorie; the production debuted at Bard in 2025 and postponed its opening-night celebration due to a winter storm.