Synopsis

John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod. His daughter Salome goes to see him and decides she wants him. He resists. A Captain of the Guard wants Salome and kills himself when she declares she wants John. Herod wants Salome. She uses his lust to get John the Baptist in the only way she ever will.

History

First publication: Elkin Matthews / John Lane, 1893

Originally written in French and first performed in Paris by Sarah Bernhardt in 1896. It was banned in Britain because of its biblical subject and not performed there until 1931. In 1905 Richard Strauss wrote his opera based on the play.

Review