Opera Salome is an invitation to be radical by discovering yourself. Richard Strauss’s masterpiece live from New York / Day

The title role will be executed by South African dramatic soprano Elza van den Hver. The show will give not only aesthetic pleasure, but also a deep emotional experience. This is the first job of the famous German director Klaus Metropolitan Opera. His approach to Richard Strauss’s masterpiece, based on Oscar Wilde’s drama, is rooted in trauma and sexual violence, which Salome has experienced since childhood.

This biblical story that illuminates the darkest corners of human nature has turned into a psychological thriller, partly inspired by director Stanley Kubrik’s erotic drama Eyes wide closed.

On the stage, there are six more salomes of different ages – her latest versions of the main role (soprano Elza van den Hver; in the center). Photo – Evans Cimermens

« The show tells the story of a girl growing up in a brutal, lying world. Suddenly, she realizes that something is wrong and is looking for a way to get rid of it. She needs to destroy the world she lives, » the director explains. There are six more salomes of different ages – her latest versions of the main role on the stage.

The presence of these girls makes it possible to understand that Salome has been raised as a puppet that has been exposed to Herod’s whims. « There are many signs that Herod has been sexually abused by him. When Herod says to Salome, ‘Dance for me!’ We feel that he has told her many times before, » Klaus said.

Herod sings German tenor Gerhard Siegel, Salome’s mother Herody – American mezzo -soprano Michelle Dejanga.

Salome (soprano Elza van den Hver) and Johanan (Baritone Peter Matei) Opera Salome New production in New York. Photo – Evans Cimermens

The outstanding Swedish baritone Peter Mate is in the image of the Prophet Johannan. It is especially important in this production that Johannan and Salome have a convincing relationship, as their relationship becomes the key to her fleeing. When the heroine descends in the basement in which the Prophet is captured, she develops in a completely different world. At the top – Herod’s court – everything is black, and downstairs, where Johannan is imprisoned, everything is white and Johanan is almost naked. « He’s just skin, hair and smell, » Johanan is characterized by Klaus. « For the first time in her life, Salome is experiencing something so extremely sensual. She reveals that someone can attract her very physical and can reject her in a very physical way. We see her huge, fervent desire to explore this relationship because it is her first contact with something real, » the director emphasizes.

Seven -veil dance has been staged as a public confrontation with Salome with Herod, and seven veils are seven Salomes at different stages of growth. This dance encourages Salomi and gives her a lot of strength – Herod is aware that the situation goes beyond his control. Now Salome has to start a new path and set up her own moral system.

« Opera Salome Speak symbols using extreme examples to depict what happens in real life with every person. In this context, killing means getting rid of the idea or limit. Salome There is a story about the search for your values, it is a call to be radical, revealing yourself. This is only possible if you communicate with your dreams, fears and what lies behind the rational structure, « says the director.

In the recording Salomes the production in the cinema Forum Cinemas You will be able to watch May 21 at 9 p.m. 18.30.

Information: metoper.orgTo, in the way, Forumcinemas.lv