La Belle Hélène (2019)
La belle Hélène is the work that confirmed Offenbach's international reputation. The libretto caricatures the conventions of Greek mythology to poke fun at contemporary society, and the melodies, once heard, never leave you. The erotic and political scandal surrounding the creation of this work ensured its immediate and enduring success. We are carried away by music that is always new and inventive, sprinkled with nods to other works: the dream duet between Helen and Paris, the patriotic trio mimicking Rossini's William Tell, the ensemble of "the man with the apple" and the waltz of the "vile seducer"... Not to mention the exquisite humor of the language, whose inventions, such as "plis de vaillance" (folds of valor) and "poux de la reine" (queen's lice), have entered the lexical fund. In this celebration of Offenbach, we constantly swing between laughter and beauty, indulging in the pleasure of all the senses...
Director: Michel Fau
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Michel Fau as Ménélas |
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Julie Robard-Gendre as Hélène |
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Julien Dran as Pâris |
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Christophe Lacassagne as Agamemnon |
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Jean-Claude Sarragosse as Calchas |
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Jean-Francis Monvoisin as Achille |
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Pier-Yves Têtu as Ajax Premier |
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Hoël Troadec as Ajax Deuxième |
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Paul Figuier as Oreste |
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Marie Daher as Bacchis |
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Laurène Paternò as Parthoenis |
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Béatrice Nani as Loena |
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Richard Lahady as Euthyclès |
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Jean-Raphaël Lavandier as Philocome |
| Writing | Ludovic Halévy | Writer |
| Directing | Michel Fau | Director |
| Art | Emmanuel Charles | Set Designer |
| Writing | Jacques Offenbach | Musical |
| Writing | Henri Meilhac | Writer |
| Sound | Pierre Dumoussaud | Conductor |
| Costume & Make-Up | Diane Belugou | Costume Designer |
| Lighting | Joël Fabing | Lighting Director |
