The Judgment of Paris

New York’s acclaimed Company XIV present a gorgeous display of hedonistic excess and divine manipulation.

Paris, the prince of Troy, receives a visit from Cupid. The winged God of Love gives him a golden apple who he must bestow upon a lady. Three goddesses vie for the apple, but Aphrodite wins Paris’s heart and gains the power she craves. She offers Paris a perfect vision of woman, Helen. When Paris finds out Helen is already married, however, he must visit Sparta and steal her from her husband Menelaus. But Menelaus won’t take this lying down; he declares war on Troy and the prized Helen finds herself thrust from Paris’ to Menelaus’ and finally to the madam-like Aphrodite’s hands.

Company XIV present a sumptuously seductive dance interpretation of this classic Greek myth. Set in a Moulin Rouge-esque brothel, Aphrodite is played by Gioia Marchese as a licentious, voluptuous and highly appealing villain. Microphone in hand, she drawls a narration as Samantha Ernst’s chaste Helen and Seth Numrich’s giddy Paris writhe a dance of love. Set to a sensuous soundtrack, the piece is luxuriously directed by Austin McCormick.

Expect over the top can-cans, leg kicks and coquettish waves, but also be prepared for the sophisticated choreography of the battle of Troy. From the moment you take your seat and a corseted blonde flashes you her suspender belt with a flirtatious smile, to the moment your breath catches for the poor exploited Helen, this is absolutely an aesthetic treat.