Why did James Joyce criticize the Irish Literary Theatre in “The Day of the Rabblement”?

In his 1901 essay "The Day of the Rabblement," James Joyce criticized the Irish Literary Theatre for what he perceived as its cultural parochialism and its tendency to cater to popular taste.1

Joyce viewed the theatre's focus on local traditions and nationalist ideals as limiting to the artist. He famously argued that a nation lacking a sophisticated literary tradition—specifically noting that Ireland had never advanced as far as a miracle-play—could not provide a sufficient model for the artist, who must therefore look abroad for inspiration. His critique reflected his broader rejection of the Irish cultural and religious traditions of his time, which he felt stifled artistic freedom and intellectual growth.1