Patricia Racette stars as Salome in Richard Strauss's seductive and moving production, using Sir Peter Hall's original staging and based on Oscar Wilde's play.
The opera narrates the story of Salome, stepdaughter of Herod (Allan Glassman), the king of Judea. Salome falls in love with John the Baptist (Tómas Tómasson), who has been imprisoned by Herod in a cistern. John rejects Salome's advances, and she is left yearning for his body. Herod and Herodias (Gabriele Schnaut) appear, and Herod pleads Salome to dance for him. Salome, noticing her stepfather's inappropriate infatuation with her, decides to dance for him, but asks for something terrible in return. She demands the head of John on a silver platter. Herod is horrified, but cannot refuse. Salome is presented with John's head and kisses his mouth. Upon witnessing this Herod orders his soldiers to kill Salome, thus ending the violent and dramatic tale.
The stage setup is simple but elegant, with a midnight blue sky and bright moon lighting the characters. It is enough to set the mood without distracting the audience from the performance. Conductor James Conlon leads the orchestra in perfect harmony with Racette's soprano.
Racette's voice mesmerizes her audience: she captures the power and seductive nature of Salome with intensity and passion. The dance she performs for Herod highlights this feminine power, and she finally gets her way when she requests John's head. Salome is manipulative, but also triumphant in the execution of her actions (and of John). She recognizes Herod's lust for her and uses it to her advantage, effectively decimating the lives of two men. In the end, however, Salome is punished for her lust and illicit sexual desire.
"Salome" is a tale about the fascination of the unattainable and the power of sexuality. It is a performance Angelenos do not want to miss.
"Salome" premiered at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on February 18, 2017. The opera will feature six performances, from February 18 – March 19.
To reach Staff Reporter Ani Mosinyan, click here.
Annenberg Media