Exiles
Description:
This LibriVox production features the play Exiles by James Joyce, read by a talented ensemble in English.
Exiles stands out as a work by Joyce, whose legacy predominantly lies in his novels. Originally, this play faced rejection from W. B. Yeats, who declined to stage it at the Abbey Theatre. It finally found its way to the London stage in 1970, through a production directed by Harold Pinter at the Mermaid Theatre. The story revolves around a complicated love triangle involving Richard Rowan, a Dublin writer who has recently returned from his time in Rome, his partner Bertha, and his former friend Robert Hand, a journalist. This narrative shares striking similarities with aspects of Joyce's own experiences; Joyce and Nora Barnacle resided together in Trieste while the fictional Rowans lived in Rome, and Robert Hand bears resemblance to Joyce's acquaintances, Oliver St. John Gogarty and Vincent Cosgrave. The play is further complicated by another love triangle that includes Rowan, Hand, and Hand's relative, Beatrice Justice. - Summary by Wikipedia
Cast List:
Richard Rowan: mb
Bertha: Elizabeth Klett
Archie: Beth Thomas
Robert Hand: Bruce Pirie
Beatrice Justice: Availle
Brigid: Bev J. Stevens
A Fishwoman: Mary Kay
Narrator: Larry Wilson
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Download M4B Audiobook (76MB)
Plot summary (can contain spoilers!):
"Exiles," a play by James Joyce, explores themes of love, fidelity, and the complexities of human relationships through its central characters. The narrative revolves around Richard Rowan, an Irish writer who has returned to Dublin after a period of self-imposed exile in England. His reunion with his fiancée, the passionate and independent Beatrice, raises questions about trust and the nature of freedom in personal relationships.
Richard is haunted by the fear that Beatrice may not be as devoted to him as he desires. This insecurity is exacerbated by the presence of his friend, the charming but morally ambiguous Bertie, who serves as a catalyst for the tensions between Richard and Beatrice. The interactions among these three characters delve into a web of jealousy, betrayal, and the struggle for self-identity, creating an atmosphere rife with emotional turmoil.
The play unfolds in a series of intense conversations that reveal the characters' inner conflicts and desires. Richard's artistic aspirations clash with his emotional vulnerabilities, while Beatrice grapples with her own sense of agency versus the expectations placed upon her by the men in her life. As the narrative progresses, Joyce masterfully highlights the paradox of exile—both physical and emotional—as each character navigates their sense of belonging and estrangement.
Ultimately, "Exiles" presents a poignant reflection on the human condition, asking difficult questions about love, loyalty, and the painful complexities of intimacy. Joyce's exploration of these themes is both timeless and deeply resonant, compelling the audience to reflect on their own experiences with love and loss.