La Belle Hélène by Offenbach Adapted by Giogio Barberio Corsetti & Pierrick Sorin Théâtre du Châtelet (140 min) 2015 Camera Lucida productions- ARTE France - Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris pre-screening presentation by Anat Sharon, lecturer at the Open University and Musicologist The second - and equally famous - of Offenbach's highly diverting satires on a well-known legend. The action takes place (without any regard for credibility) in unspecified ancient times in an unlikely ancient Greece, and concerns the abduction of the fair Helen by the Prince of Troy - aided and abetted by a wily oracle-worker, who outwits Helen's much deceived husband and an assortment of royal Grecian heroes. The score includes some of Offenbach's best-loved melodies. “Seducing, funny, smart: an irresistible «Belle Hélène » by Offenbach at the Chatelet!” France Info
