Helen

“Helen”

Helen is a contemporary opera by Antonis Karatzikis, with a libretto by Maria Athini, based on the homonymous play by Euripides. It is a profoundly anti-war work, highlighting the tragic futility of war and the human search for truth and peace through the myth of Helen of Sparta.

Karatzikis’ music blends lyrical and dramatic elements, illuminating the inner world of the characters and the tension between illusion and reality. Athini’s libretto remains faithful to the spirit of Euripides while offering a fresh, modern perspective on his timeless message of peace.

The opera was first presented in 2017 at the Parnassos Hall, marking the first time that Euripides’ Helen was staged in the form of an opera. With a total duration of two hours, the production received positive acclaim for the strength of its message and the originality of its musical interpretation.