Salome by Strauss, Sa. 22 Feb. 2020, Ab (2020/2020), Unter der Regie von Cameron Menzies,, Dirigat Rhydderch Hael, Palais Theatre, Melbourne, Australien

The image of Salome kissing the severed head of John the Baptist (Jochanaan) at once repulses and fascinates, permeating popular culture from classical painting to theatre. Based on Oscar Wilde’s notorious play, Strauss’ opera combines a biblical tale with sexual awakening, eroticism and murder, exploring the nature of desire and outer limits of human behaviour. Intoxicating Salome, the teenage stepdaughter of King Herod (Herodes), is overcome by her desire for the prophet Jochanaan. After his rejection, she takes her revenge by demanding his head. Emotion rings out in the music which holds a physical power and immediacy, full of rich orchestral colour, and includes the infamous ‘Dance of the Seven Veils’. A stellar international and Australian cast features Vida Miknevičiūtė, Ian Storey, Daniel Sumegi, Liane Keegan and James Egglestone. Prepare to be astounded by this horrifying yet exhilarating spectacle. One of the most extreme operatic experiences, Salome is an extraordinary work that still has the same power to shock audiences as it did when it was first performed.