Salome preview from San Francisco Opera

Considered scandalous when it premiered a century ago with its provocative "Dance of the Seven Veils," Richard Strauss' adaptation of Oscar Wilde's play has not lost its ability to shock. Set in Biblical times, this erotically charged opera centers on a tangled triangle: the persecuted John the Baptist, a lecherous King Herod and the monarch's pathologically seductive stepdaughter, Salome. German soprano Nadja Michael is "indolent, sexy and scary" in the title role, giving a performance that "blazes with dramatic intensity," according to London critics. Music Director Nicola Luisotti conducts in a production co-directed by Sean Curran and James Robinson.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Salome
• Richard Strauss
• Strauss
• San Francisco Opera
• opera
• Oscar Wilde
• Nadja Michael

[mtrav95]

While I agree that Nadja Michael was vocally less than ideal, she fully embodied this role (indeed, used her entire body). And her comments in the SF Opera interview (also on YouTube) show her to be a smart and probing actor. The production itself was very strong. It was modern and edgy without being Eurotrashy. The porthole instead of the cistern was great (so tired of the manhole covers in so many productions). Beautifully lit. Supporting roles sung strongly. Gorgeously conducted.

[dessay1]

BRILLIANT!

[MarcusHolly]

@rumpwrestler I agree... She is the finest today.... and the London SALOME dvd is utterly amazing.

[mozartman2000]

i saw this production from the 8th row and was blown away by its intensity and blatant sexuality. I hope they put it on commercial DVD. I would dance for joy :-P

[deepenhancer]

Where's the dance of 7 veils?

[Fusiondoom]

Strauss' influence is far reaching; in the new Mortal Kombat video game, a character named Mileena performs a fatality which involves her doing gross things with the opponents' head.

[rumpwrestler]

Great work.....and this soprano is the best today for this role...... her performance in London was utterly amazing. OK guys, grow up....the opera is nearly 100 years old.

[jeanhenley]

I'm still shocked. It's not the nudity, it's the utter depravity of Salome, the morality of it is still stomach-wrenching.

[EclecticSF]

An Irish Playwright, a biblical story, an Austrian Musician - A San Francisco Opera Company - A story centuries old - retold - a most amaziing short opera... Still SHOCKING viewers - years later! So can Gen X, Y, Z'er's still learn - or - must they repeat the past???