Salomé (TV 1997)

Director:

Hans Hulscher

Writers:

Hedwig Lachmann (German translation), Oscar Wilde (play)

Stars:

Catherine Malfitano, Bryn Terfel, Kenneth Riegel

Cast

Credited cast:
Catherine Malfitano	...	Salome
Bryn Terfel	...	Jokanaan
Kenneth Riegel	...	Herod
Anja Silja	...	Herodias
Robert Gambill	...	Narraboth
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Peter Bonder	...	First Jew
Graeme Broadbent	...	First soldier
Michael Druiett	...	Second soldier
Rupert Oliver Forbes	...	Fourth Jew
Andrew Greenan	...	First Nazarene
Andrea Hazell	...	A slave
Gary Magee	...	Second Nazarene
Alexander Oliver	...	Second Jew
The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House	...	Themselves - Orchestra
Ruby Philogene	...	Herodias's page

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

live performance | prophet | dance | opera | moon | 

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Music

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

German

Also Known As:

Salomi

Company Credits

Production Co:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), RM Arts, Decca Record Company, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Ritalin would prove useless on this production

A big hit for the Royal Opera Covent Garden and a benchmark performance for rising (as opposed to risen) star Bryn Terfel. The video is of live performances: live is the manner in which all concerned approached this screeching, preening thunderbolt of musico-dramatic firepower.

Catherine Malfitano almost overdoes it, playing Salome as if possessed form the outset (social services would be presented with a no-brainer regarding the fitness of her parents). Where Malfitano plays Salome right on the edge, so Terfel gives us a John the Baptist not of defiance and resolve but of bellowing, pentecostal fire. From the first time they appear onstage together, tragedy is inevitable.

Luckily some gripping cameos (the other parts are basically cameos, even the substantial character of Ken Riegel's Herod) and meticulous pacing amongst the roaring power from the pit keep a sense of direction and growth throughout the piece. Hulscher's video manages to match the hiatus both on and below stage in its recording. Do not eat directly before viewing. 6/10