10 Seconds of Controversy in “Salome”

When Richard Strauss’s Salome was premiered in 1905, it was a triumph with the opening night Dresden audience, earning 38 curtain calls. It also earned its share of controversy, however, both in terms of the difficult, surprisingly dissonant score and the provocative themes of religion and sexuality.

Marie Wittich, who acted in the lead role at its debut, refused to perform the infamous “Dance of the Seven Veils” — in which Salome dances seductively before Herod Antipas — famously telling the composer, “I won’t do it; I’m a decent woman.” A dancer was brought in to take her place for that particular scene.

The Grand Opera House in Belfast has come under fire this week for making a controversial decision to feature a nude performer in this weekend’s productions of Salome. Ticket buyers received this note a few days before the premiere:

“Over recent weeks the dancer and Movement Director have been rehearsing in London and as a result, the content of the Dance of the Seven Veils has been enhanced. The dancer playing Salome will now appear nude for the last ten seconds of the Dance. This change represents Salome in an image of stark vulnerability. We believe it adds significantly to the artistic value of the performance.”

The decision (in particular, the timing of the decision, as it was made after tickets went on sale) has sparked criticism, as well as possible protests. Director Oliver Mears, in an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, seemed surprised by the controversy.

"I think we're all a little bemused that nudity is still an issue in this day and age, especially given the well-known context, and the fact that it is 10 seconds in an opera of one hour and 35 minutes. However, we felt it was a courtesy to let our audience know about it."