Page 16 - Programme

Opera Interactively Into Schools 16

Hélène and Ménélas continue fighting over her infidelity,
while Agamemnon and Calchas are trying to convince
Ménélas to let her go. A ship arrives in Nafplion. It enters
the port and Pâris appears disguised as the Great Seer
of Aphrodite. Everyone welcomes him joyously and
respectfully. Pâris, as the Seer, asks for Hélène to be
transferred to Kythera, saying that this is a request from
goddess Aphrodite. While Hélène recognises Pâris,
Ménélas and the rest of the heroes accept the goddess’
will and hand Hélène over to the Great Seer.

The story ends with Hélène leaving together with Pâris
while warning Ménélas and Agamemnon that her flight
to Troy should not become the cause of a war, as Pâris
did not violently seize her; she decided to follow him at
her own will instead.

— Alexandra K*