Helios

Helios, a captivating modern re-telling of the ancient Greek myth of the fall of Phaeton, unfolds in a mesmerizing setting at Bondi Festival. In the myths, Phaeton is the mortal son of the sun god Helios and the goddess Rhode. In this story, however, Phaeton is the mortal son of a mortal man who pilots the first flight of the morning and seems to drive up the sun, Helios, and a mortal woman who has lost her love for life after the death of her oldest son, Rhoda. Furthermore, instead of being set in Ancient Greece, “Helios” is set in modern-day York, halfway up a famous hill.

The story starts with the performer, Jamie MacDowell, surrounded by a circle of lights, instantly drawing the audience into an intimate engagement with the narrative. As he tells the audience the story of the painting, “The Fall of Phaeton” by Peter Paul Rubens, the audience begins to feel an impending sense of doom, because they know how the story will end from the beginning. But, it turns out to be okay, because even though one knows how the story will end from the beginning, one does not understand what it means until the very end. 

The brilliant writing by Alexander Wright brings forth profound themes from the outset, challenging conventional paths and embracing the fiery essence of Phaeton, a character who ignites the world around him. Because this is not a story of the perils of straying from the middle of the road as many have interpreted the story of Phaeton to be, it is a story about life and lighting the world on fire. "Helios" not only entertains but also provokes introspection on themes of love, loss, and the existential significance of human existence. The narrative unfolds gradually, revealing layers of meaning that challenge preconceptions about fate and mortality.

The performance utilizes innovative staging with chairs arranged in arcs, complementing the circle of lights and microphones that facilitate dynamic interaction between the speaker and the audience. This detail along with the integration of music by Phil Grainger and the atmospheric lighting design further elevate the production. The staging and music make the ancient myth feel remarkably contemporary.

Jamie MacDowell's portrayal of Phaeton is poignant and authentic, evoking raw emotions that resonate deeply with the audience. His chemistry with the characters, including his unexpected love interest, unfolds in a poignant "kill them with kindness" narrative that moves viewers to tears. What is particularly interesting about the chemistry he has with the other characters is that those other characters are narrated by volunteers from the audience. MacDowell has such a beautiful and raw talent that he is able to create chemistry with a complete stranger. Moreover, MacDowell has perfected his timing for speaking and how to act out his lines, which was proven when he had an audience member time a portion of the story, and by the time he had finished 8 minutes and 20 seconds had passed, the exact amount of time it takes for light from the sun to reach Earth.

Helios is a triumph of storytelling and performance. It transcends geographical boundaries with its international acclaim, continuing a tradition of excellence established by the company behind it. For anyone seeking a thought-provoking theater experience that merges ancient myth with contemporary relevance, Helios is a must-see.

Isabella Nocetti

Photographer: Patrick Boland