The goddess Venus promises Paris the love of the most beautiful woman in the world. As this happens to be Helen, the existence of king and husband Menelaus proves a trifle embarrassing. Menelaus is dispatched to Crete, but returns to find his wife and Paris engaged in a passionate

love song.

He foils Paris's endeavours, and this angers Venus, who sows the seeds of illicit love among the strait-laced Spartans. Infidelity blossoms. Appalled, King Agamemnon and the local high priest appeal to Menelaus to appease

Venus and give up Helen.

But he wants a second opinion. He sends for the high priest of Venus - actually Paris in disguise - who arrives to spirit off the coveted prize. La Belle Helene (Beautiful Helen), an opera-bouffe in three acts, is the latest production (in English)

by The Light Opera Group of the Negev.

Considered one of Offenbach's best lighter works, it marks a departure from the group's standard Gilbert and Sullivan fare. The performance is set for 8:30 Monday at the Jerusalem Theatre.