All that is left is for me to gaze on the ink panels and dream serpentine thoughts of how good it would have been if things had gotten a bit more… ‘Macbeth-ish’. Hell, scrap that, I was expecting Art Nouveau decadence, a poisonous, deadly grace. But that wasn’t to be. But beauty of language was what I was looking for. I really got a sense of cultural mix and tolerance of difference (even though John the Baptist gets killed because of his heretical beliefs!) King Herod had many people in his court and this is clearly illustrated that. However what I did like about it was the inclusion of many characters from different religions. The ending was also quite abrupt, hurried and somewhat ‘missing’. If it is not the case and the translation is faithful, then this play exposes a very different side to Wilde.

Until I learn to read French fluently, this is what I am hoping it is. It could possibly be that Wilde’s prose may have been butchered through bad translation. The dialogue between the characters are monotonous and annoyingly repetitive which is NOT a Wilde trademark. To start with, the brilliance of language that we are used to is totally lacking. I’m holding the quality of the translation to blame, as I’m sad to say that this is very different to Wilde’s other plays. I’m not sure why, but this one didn’t really come across as particularly good. However, thanks to I have finally sated my curiosity. Like most people, I became aware of the play through these oriental drawings, yet had a devil of a time finding a translated English version (Wilde originally wrote it in French) anywhere on the web.

But through no fault of the historical or biblical accounts mind you but rather because of Aubrey Beardsley‘s grotesque ink panels that were inspired by Wilde’s play. ‘Salome’ is probably the most notorious femme fatale in literature. If you dance for me you may ask of me what you will, and I will give it you, even unto the half of my kingdom.” When I came hither I slipped in blood, which is an evil omen and I heard, I am sure I heard in the air a beating of wings, a beating of giant wings.

Oscar wilde play salome