Something old, new, borrowed, and BLUE.
Something BORROWED 2023 ~ Archive
Originally performed in January of 2024
Artwork by J. Comello
Why Helen of Troy?
There has been an explosion of feminist retellings of classic texts in recent years. We’ve gobbled up The Penelopiad, Circe, Song of Achilles, Lore Olympus, Hadestown, and countless more.
But even in this reckoning with flawed narrators and male-focused stories, we have yet to see young Helen given the privilege of a loving rewrite. She remains (even in these retellings) the reviled, vain mean girl that lead countless men to their deaths with her wantonness.
Seeing the way certain female celebrities and public figures remain susceptible to this sort of public flogging, we’ve been interested in revisiting the world's first "mean girl" and asking just why we hate her so much.
In the year of the Barbie Movie, it seems like a decent time to ask.
HELEN OF is a brand new devised work around the story of Helen of Troy.
The Ensemble
Our Partner and Venue!
Located downtown Chapel Hill - this bookstore and cafe was the home of our production, Helen Of.
Working with local businesses, especially this one, is always a dream!
Be sure to stop by for a book, some chocolate, or a brew - and tell them Blue Box sent you!
Devine Errors, Written by J Comello
Beauty Through The Ages - Written by Grace Derenne
Beauty Through The Ages - Written by Grace Derenne
Reviews for HELEN OF
Kurt Benrud
The Triangle Review
“Let the record simply state that Chella Anderson, J. Comello, Grace Derenne, Rachel Horowitz, Grace Siplon, and Rosanne Wagger are consummate professionals. Every role that each assumes is played to the hilt. Even though we experience each of their characters for very few minutes, we come to know them, to sympathize with them, and even to identify with them. All six of these artists are definitely ‘in their element'.’”
“Helen Of is a complete work of art -- it is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. When we laugh at what's happening on stage, we are laughing at ourselves and our contemporaries? Hopefully, Blue Box Theatre Company will revive it at some future date.”
Your Own HELEN OF
Want to stage your own production of HELEN OF? Just want a copy of the script for your own? Never fear, you can get either (or both) here!