Helen of Sparta (play) carries her off to Troy for a casual affair, only to discover that she is an extremely fastidious and demanding captive. At the same time, Helen’s husband, King Menelaus, finds his efforts to rescue his wife impeded when he is placed on the Pan-Hellenic “Do Not Sail” list. T. Smith in the "Baltimore Sun" described the play as "original but problematic." The play was shortlisted for the "Best American Plays 2010". It was named one of the ten best regional plays of 2009 by the American Theatre Association. Helen of Sparta (play) Helen of Sparta is a tragicomic play by
William Menelaus Aberdare. Unfortunately, she died ten weeks later in November 1852 of cholera. Menelaus did not remarry, but brought up and educated two nephews: William Darling, who became a law lord, and Charles Darling, who became an MP and later a baron. Although paid well from his work at Dowlais and investments in other steel, coal and commercial activities, Menelaus lived a simple lifestyle at his home in Merthyr Tydfil. His only extravagance was his art collection, which included works by many of the modern and noted European artists. Menelaus died on 30 March 1882 at Charlton House, in Tenby. Having