The Synopsis
Herod is obsessed with Salome; Salome is obsessed with Jokanaan (John the Baptist); Jokanaan is obsessed with God. During Herod’s birthday feast, Salome discovers Jokanaan imprisoned in a cistern. Intrigued, she demands that he be brought to her, but when Jokanaan learns who she is, he rails against her. She pledges that she will kiss him and he is returned to the cistern. Herod promises to give Salome whatever she wants if she performs the erotic Dance of the Seven Veils. She dances for him, but her price is more than Herod could ever imagine – John the Baptist’s head on a silver platter.
Music by Richard Strauss
Libretto by Hedwig Lachman
Based on Oscar Wilde’s play of the same name
Sung in German with projected English translations.