Norma Jean Baker of Troy

Anne Carson

 

Carson is a genius. An actual genius. She’s a Greek scholar, and a gifted poet and novelist. She’s also someone I’ve admired for years. In fact, I have a whole page of this website devoted to her.

Sometimes her work, which often mixes the ancient with the modern, can border on the too difficult for simpletons like me. But this play — a brilliant mash-up of Helen of Troy and Marilyn Monroe really delivers at the sweet spot of gorgeous, funny and clever. I regret I didn’t see this when it was performed in Brooklyn. If there’s ever a revival, I’ll be there.

Recommended.