Composer Richard Strauss redefined musical storytelling with his seminal masterpiece, Salome, a thrilling exploration of obsession and objectification centered on one of opera’s famous characters. Shocking audiences with each new staging, the work took on new forms in the hands of Academy Award-nominated director Atom Egoyan in 1996, who infused the opera with elements of film, dance, puppetry, and shadowplay.
Amidst the protocols and precautions of last winter’s pandemic, Egoyan sat down with COC General Director Perryn Leech to explore their excitement about the upcoming production, its all-star cast and creative team, and the extraordinary endeavour of performing the opera’s title role.
Here’s a few highlights from their chat!
In discussing Salome’s iconic title role, Atom and Perryn reflect on how each remounting informs a reinvention of the character and her place within the story at large.
The Dance of the Seven Veils, as depicted within this opera, has historically provoked both awe and controversy. As Egoyan explains, in our production, this important scene is portrayed as a moment of reflection on Salome’s life, as well as the experiences that lead her here.
Reflecting upon the extraordinary athletic and artistic achievement of performing opera, our third clip centers the discussion of Salome within opera’s unique athletic and artistic challenges.
Richard Strauss’ Salome opens Friday, February 3, 2023 and runs February 5, 9, 11, 17, 19, and 24. Tickets are now on sale!
