This week, Chas LiBretto, writer and performer at the Paideia Institute for Humanistic Study, will be staying at the CHS and using the library. Currently LiBretto is developing a musical-play called Helen and Her Double, which will be an adaptation or ‘sequel’ to Euripides’ play, Helen. Continuing the story of this play, LiBretto will explore the ways in which Helen had to pick up the pieces of her life after her seventeen years in captivity. A pivotal question arises in this sequel: will Helen atone for the crimes of her double, or will she expose the existence of her twin creature to prove her innocence?
While at the CHS, LiBretto will research the ancient sources which comment on the idea that there were two Helen’s, as Euripides wasn’t the only one to believe that she had a twin. He also looks forward to discussing his project with our fellows of like-minded scholastic and artistic pursuit.
Chas Libretto is visiting under a grant, awarded to researchers around the world that could benefit from access to the Center’s library resources and from consulting and working with fellows on a short-term basis. The CHS is currently accepting applications for visits from January 27th to May 29th, 2016. To learn more, visit the CHS website.
Chas LiBretto is a playwright based in New York and the co-founder of Psittacus Productions. Work includes The Laodamiad, The Royal Pyrate, A Cure in the House, Cyclops: A Rock Opera, Song of Rage, and The Pleasure of Ruins. He is working on a novel, The True History of Lucian of Samosata. His work has been developed by Ars Nova, Lincoln Center Education, Theater Masters, NYMF, Pasadena Playhouse, Alabama Shakespeare and the Paideia Institute. He is an alum of Ars Nova Uncharted, Theater Masters and is a Center for Hellenic Studies Fellow. He holds an MFA in Playwriting from Columbia University. He is represented by Katie Gamelli at Abrams Artists Agency. www.chaslibretto.com