The war is finally over. Helen (Robin Christ) yearns to be reunited with her husband, Menelaus (Douglas Lay) upon his return from Troy. No, she never went to Troy but stayed at the tomb of Proteus, the late king of Egypt who had protected her. Yes, Helen is the most beautiful woman in the world. No, she did not commit adultery with Paris. That was all a phantom created by that nasty Hera.
Translator, historian, Greek scholar and Euripides expert Marianne McDonald, Ph.D., teamed with J. Michael Walton, Ph.D. to create this highly accessible and entertaining translation of Helen by Euripides. Christ brings Helen engrossingly to life. Her energy and strength dominate the stage. Even when being man-handled by Abraham's Theoclymenus, she seems to control the action. Helen is an intense role demanding the best from an actress, and this actress is the best.
Brian Abraham plays returning soldier Teacher as well as a persistent, highly emotional Theoclymenus, King of Egypt. The chorus includes Bianca Chapman, Vanessa Milton, and Melissa Hamilton. They assist in telling Helen's story in word, song, and dance.
Director Douglas Lay, who also plays Helen's husband, Menelaus, King of Sparta, combines scenic designer Vince Sneddon's classic tomb with his own contemporary costume design.
Whether you are a lover of the classics or just have a passing interest in them, please take the opportunity to see this production.
