What could Helen of Troy and Norma Jeane Baker, better known as Marilyn Monroe, possibly have in common?

They are two world-famous female figures who created an image, an illusion, in order to survive. The gods hide Helen in Egypt, while Paris abducts a cloud that looks exactly like her. Norma Jeane, meanwhile, creates her own myth: Marilyn Monroe, the ultimate Hollywood star.

But are these two women nothing more than illusions?

In any case, they are both objects of desire. They inspire urges to dominate and possess, and they trigger wars. They become the most precious of possessions, the casus belli, and the ultimate spoils of war.

Through these two legendary figures, Anne Carson tells the story of all women.

This play is a tragedy, but as Marilyn once said:

“Keep the ball, and dare not to worry.”