Cast & Characters

The Cast

Helena: Deborah Voigt
Aithra: Diana Damrau
Omniscient Mussel: Jill Grove
Menelaus: Torsten Kerl
Da-Ud: Garrett Sorenson
Conductor: Fabio Luisi

The Characters

Aithra (soprano): A sorceress, and Poseidon’s lover. She takes pity on Menelas and Helena, deciding to use her magical powers to save their marriage.

Helena (soprano): Helen of Troy-the most beautiful woman in the world. She loves her husband, Menelas, despite being unfaithful to him during the Trojan War, and tries with Aithra’s help to win back his love.

Hermione (soprano): The daughter of Helen and Menelas. Menelas has been hiding Hermione from her mother ever since Helen ran off with Paris during the Trojan War.

The Omniscient Seashell (contralto): The prophetic voice of Poseidon’s palace. The seashell sits perched upon its tripod and shares its visions with Aithra.

Menelas (tenor): King of Sparta, and Helena’s jealous husband. Enraged by Helena’s infidelity, he tries to kill her twice before he is open to forgiveness.

Da-ud (tenor): Altair’s son. He falls madly in love with Helena at first sight.

Altair (baritone): Prince of the Mountains. He desires Helena and tries to use his princely power to obtain her.