Salome

Narraboth and his men describe the beauty of the Princess Salome, who lives together with her mother Herodias in the house of her stepfather, the ruler Herod. Again and again, Salome hears the voice of Jokanaan. He prophecizes the overthrow of the existing order. Salome is attracted by his voice and by the things he says. She demands to see Jokanaan and to speak with him. She is allowedto see him - against all the instructions. He speaks to her, and he also speaks to her stepfather, who fears him, and to her mother, who ridicules him. He continues his attack on Salome's parents, and his voice penetrates the isolated structure consisting of father, mother and child. Herod makes ambiguous offers to Salome and even holds out the prospect of her taking her mother's position. This toxic atmosphere is yet again penetrated by Jokanaan's voice, which leads to wildest arguments among the group of Herod's guests. Herod asks his stepdaughter to dance for him. In return he promises to grant her any wish. After the dance, Salome demands Jokanaan's head. She rejects all other offers from the shocked Herod. Herod has no choice: he orders Jokanaan to be beheaded. An eerie silence spreads. A head rolls. Salome has had her way and achieved her goal. Has she defeated the father?

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