A Review of Merton Floats and Korai Productions’s Helen

We all know Helen’s story. Whether thanks to the original tales or more modern adaptations. But do we know what truly took place? Euripides certainly didn’t think so. In fact, he wrote a play to educate audiences on a different interpretation of what may have taken place following the Judgement of Paris. This alternative tale is the one that is being portrayed in the Fellows’ Garden at Merton College currently. Short and simple, the play leans into everything that a good garden play should be.

Translations appear to be the order of the week, with this adaptation of the Grecian play being translated by student Kitty Cox. Beginning the play by telling the audience a little about her translation is a wonderful addition to this small and intimate feeling experience. This is a play which leans into the traditions of Greek theatre, the introduction by Cox and director Amy Griffiths being followed by a prologue. The presence of the three woman chorus adds a further sense of respect of the original to the play and provides an awareness of the sense of audience within the piece. These women are watching the proceedings just as we, as the audience, are.

Davis Murphey’s portrayal of Helen is at once wonderfully compelling. Tackling lengthy monologues, Murphey depicts a Helen who is strong in both character and conviction and willing to fight for the purity of her marriage. She embraces the character’s agonies with authenticity, bringing her to life in this new framing of the famed character. In perfect contrast, Liam Purchase’s Menelaus and Adam Paterson’s Theoclymenus add some light relief with their subtly (and at times not so subtly) comedic portrayals. While Helen’s opening lament may suggest otherwise, there are plenty of opportunities to giggle within this performance, begging the question of whether it is more the script or comedic timing which is responsible. Whichever it is, it’s genius!

This is of the short and sweet variety of garden plays, leaning into the whimsey and literary history existing within the hallowed walls of Merton College. Entering into the familiar discourse of women in classical times, this play is not too politically minded, rather leaning into the performance of putting on a show rather than dissecting what theatre might be for. While the set is limited, I must draw your attention to the very realistic tomb which takes centre stage. Upon entering the garden I did have to do a double take – it really does look like it belongs there! If I were to quibble on anything it would be the length of Helen’s monologues, but perhaps that is just because showing rather than telling is the more modern approach to such extended exposition sequences. Overall, this is simply a nice play and a pleasant way to spend an early evening. And the right length so as not to get cold!