Salome 2015

Synopsis
Artists

Guards, kill that woman!

The premiere of Richard Strauss’ Salome was one of music history’s spectacular triumphs, prompting a wild ovation of more than 20 minutes and 38 curtain calls for a performance that had lasted a scant hour and a half. But this was a success born of controversy. Strauss’ opera is based on a slightly condensed German translation of Oscar Wilde’s play. The characters in the story are barely mentioned in the Bible, but Wilde’s dramatization of their legendary story scandalized Europe, depicting with dark humor the lecherous tetrarch Herod’s lust for his stepdaughter Salome and her growing sexual obsession with the imprisoned prophet John the Baptist (Jochanaan).

Music and libretto by

Richard Strauss

Story

From the terrace of Herod’s palace, Narraboth, captain of the guard, gazes rapturously inside at Princess Salome, who is feasting with her stepfather and his guests. The voice of the prophet Jochanaan echoes from a deep cistern, where he is imprisoned by Herod, who fears him. Salome, fleeing Herod’s lechery, rushes out for fresh air and becomes curious when she hears Jochanaan curse her mother Herodias. When the soldiers refuse to bring Jochanaan to her, Salome convinces Narraboth, who orders that Jochanaan be summoned. Jochanaan and Salome meet as he denounces the incestuous union of Herod and Herodias. She is increasingly overcome by desire, praising his body, hair and mouth. When Salome begs for Jochanaan’s kiss, Narraboth stabs himself in horror. Jochanaan urges Salome to seek salvation in the Messiah.

Herod and Herodias appear. Herod’s thoughts turn to Salome, who spurns his attentions. He begs Salome to dance for him and offers her anything she might wish in return. Salome makes him swear he will live up to his promise, then dances. Salome demands the head of Jochanaan on a silver platter, ignoring Herod’s alternatives – jewels, rare birds, a sacred veil. Terrified, Herod finally gives in. After a tense pause, Salome has her wish: the head of Jochanaan. Salome seizes her reward, triumphantly kissing his lips. Herod orders Salome to be killed.

Synopsis

Story

Artists

Alex Penda

Alex Penda

Ryan McKinny

Ryan McKinny

Robert Brubaker

Robert Brubaker

Michaela Martens

Michaela Martens

Brian Jagde

Brian Jagde

Megan Marino

Megan Marino

Nicholas Brownlee

Nicholas Brownlee

Tyler Putnam

Tyler Putnam

Peter Tomaszewski

Peter Tomaszewski

Daniel Bates

Daniel Bates

Christopher Trapani

Christopher Trapani

Roy Hage

Roy Hage

Cullen Gandy

Cullen Gandy

Aaron Short

Aaron Short

Kevin Thompson

Kevin Thompson

Peixin Chen

Peixin Chen

Adrian Kramer

Adrian Kramer

David Robertson

David Robertson

Daniel Slater

Daniel Slater

Leslie Travers

Leslie Travers

Rick Fisher

Rick Fisher

Seán Curran

Seán Curran

Rick Sordelet

Rick Sordelet

Salome 2015