"Crying Game" star to perform dramatic readings of James Joyce's "Ulysses" at Fairfield University | Press Releases

Stephen Rea makes rare U.S. appearance at Quick Center for the Arts

Image: Stephen Rea Oscar-nominated actor Stephen Rea, whose credits include "The Crying Game," "V for Vendetta," and "Michael Collins," will perform dramatic readings from James Joyce's iconic novel "Ulysses" at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15, $10 seniors, $5 students with ID. For tickets, contact the Quick Center Box Office at www.quickcenter.com or (203) 254-4010.

"The Irish Studies Program is delighted to have Mr. Rea perform on campus," said Nels Pearson, Ph.D., director of the program, which is sponsoring the event with the Quick Center. "Not only is he a major figure in film and a devoted promoter and performer of the works of Joyce, but he was also one of the founding members of the Field Day Theater Company, begun in 1980 in Derry, Northern Ireland, one of the most violently contested border cities of the partitioned country. That company was a signature example of the role of the arts in stimulating the dialogues necessary for both justice and peace. The highlight of his visit will be his readings from Joyce, which he has only performed a few times, and which we anticipate will be a really eye- and ear-opening experience, given the way Joyce's language thrives in oral performance."

Rea will bring to life sections of the famed "Cyclops" chapter of Joyce's masterpiece on the stage of the Kelley Theatre.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Rea attended Belfast High School and the Queen's University, where he studied English. He later trained at the Abbey Theatre School in Dublin.

A veteran of stage and television, Rea came to international prominence for his Oscar-nominated performance in "The Crying Game," director/writer Neil Jordan's 1992 film about Fergus, a member of the IRA, who pledges to protect Dil, the girlfriend of an IRA prisoner. The film explores politics, race, gender and sexuality, often in provocative fashion.

Rea has teamed with Jordan on several films, some of which will be screened on campus this semester in celebration of Rea's visit and their partnership. The public is invited to attend the following free screenings in the Multimedia Room of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library on campus: "The Crying Game" on Wednesday, April 9; "Michael Collins" on Wednesday, April 16; and "Breakfast on Pluto" on Wednesday. April 23. All films will begin at 7 p.m. and are sponsored by the Irish Studies Program.

Among Rea's many other film and television credits are: "Underworld: Awakening," "The End of the Affair," and "Interview with the Vampire." His latest film, "Out of the Dark" with Julia Stiles, is currently in post-production.