HELENby Euripides Translated by Marianne McDonald and J Michael WaltoN
The Trojan War has ended, peace has finally prevailed and the “most beautiful woman in the world” Helen of Troy is alone in Egypt. Euripides deflates one of the best known “facts” of Greek mythology that Helen ran off adulterously with Paris to Troy. One of the most tantalizing tales ever told, “Helen” unmasks the myths behind the legend reuniting her with her long-lost husband and putting her life in peril as she remains the Pharaoh’s prisoner. “The face that launched a thousand ships” has never been more illuminating and alive.
Directed by Douglas Lay.
Critics
Absolutely first class theatre. A brilliant text from McDonald and a stellar performance from Robin Christ.
What a disgrace to San Diego that the main daily newspaper has ignored it! - Athol Fugard, Playwright -
We attended the play today and we all thought it was wonderful! Really enjoyable. Brian was great and kudos to Doug. Robin is a fine actress and the chorus was great. - Donna Rae Deane, Professional Health Care -
The show was excellent. It was supple and focused and maintained a precise and taut narrative drive. I had never read (or seen) the play before, and I was struck by the elegant tension created in the first moments and sustained throughout. The passions and politics that fed the insanity of the time were articulately conveyed, and the actors found much sustenance in the artistically and handsomely rendered language. - Steven Adler, Theatre Professor -
I just wanted to write to you to tell you how much I enjoyed the production of Helen last Saturday night. The talk-back was so informative and enlightening. You are still my favorite professor. I spoke to you briefly afterwards but you might not have recalled who I am as you have had so many enthralled students. I am the former dramaturgy student who did an adaptation of Lysistrata set in Belfast.
In the past few years I have written more essays than theatrical work, but I am so inspired by your Helen. I forgot how much I love the classics. I am going to go back to working on a premise I have for Cassandra.
You have launched a thousand minds. - Karin Bennett Cooper, professor -
Nancy and I enjoyed the play last night immensely. We were a little jet-lagged, but we both enjoyed it nonetheless. I like that theatre group and I wish them lots of success. - Denys Horgan, Editor -
We went to see your Helen yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Your bold clear translation gives such a lively immediacy to the play (and what a strange idea it is!). All the performances were so good and their sincerity brought the whole story off so well. - Susan Weinberg-Harter, Writer -
Yes, we both much enjoyed "Helen" and told the cast so afterwards. Your translation made the play very clear & comprehensible. How very interesting and individual is Euripides' take on the story! - George Weinberg-Harter, critic -
Thanks [a bit belatedly] for yet another stimulating evening. I really liked the big-guy actor [Brian Abraham]. - Susan Fisher, linquistics -
Thanks for a wonderful afternoon of theater. . Your Helen gave such a strong performance! A pleasure to watch her. And the play was so self contained - a small gem - and I loved the language. Maris and I both enjoyed ourselves greatly. - Lisa Fugard, Author -
Your text and translation were so clear and understandable -- what a joy for the audience --Swedenborgian Church's side-auditorium was so comfortable and pleasant -- the opposite of dirty, hot, uncomfortable 6th & Penn. - Nora Cohen, Editor (not to be quoted) -
Just wanted to mention how very much we enjoyed "Helen." I thought that the characterizations were very creative, and you really brought Greek drama into modern culture. - Mary Stoll, Medieval scholar -
Ann and I really enjoyed the Euripides! I learned a lot, and I’m always bowled over by small theatre companies that can survive like small trees growing out of bare rocks and do good things with people like you! - David Chase, Conductor La Jolla Symphony and Chorus -
