At the Royal Stratford East Theatre in London, Ava Pictet's new play titled "Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy" explores the modern world through the lens of classic legends. Helen of Troy, the main character, returns home after the English Civil War, where her life has been affected by social and political changes.
A World Full of Violence and Challenges
In this play, Helen faces a world of anger and violence. Angry men are rioting in the streets, creating chaos in her name with Molotov cocktails. This situation arises after Helen leaves her husband Marcus and joins a "foreigner." Her world is surprisingly similar to a reality TV show called Towie, reflecting deep changes in society.
A Day at a Friend's House
In this play, Helen goes to the home of her best friend, C, who is married to Marcus's older brother, Mario. In this setting, men gather with Helen to celebrate their victories with Prosecco. However, this celebration, while seemingly happy, is actually a critique of the misogyny and patriarchal culture that underlies it.
Ava Pictet, using strong characters and a tension-filled story, reminds viewers that legends never fade away and their influences are still evident in modern life. This play will be on stage at the Royal Stratford East Theatre until October 10, and watching it can be a challenging and thought-provoking experience.
