Salomé
Performance, 15 min
2024
Performed at Galleri Arnstedt, Östra Karup, Sweden
Maria Norrman stages the play/film/opera “Salomé.” In Norrman’s interpretation, she plays all the roles herself using masks. The work mixes silent film references, drag aesthetics and pantomime.
The soundtrack consists of music from the early 20th century, when Wilde’s stage version of Salomé was all the rage and the silent film hit the cinemas. Norrman’s costume, makeup and props blend contemporary drag, Art Nouveau and Do It Yourself aesthetics.
The story has been depicted in art history throughout the ages, in Oscar Wilde’s play and in the silent film Salomé from 1922.
The role of Salomé was one of opera singer Birgit Nilsson’s primary roles.
The plot of «Salomé» is the biblical story of the young girl Salomé, stepdaughter of the ruler Herod, daughter of his consort Herodias. Salomé desires John the Baptist, whom Herod holds prisoner.
Salomé, daughter of Herodias: Maria Norrman
Herod, the ruler: Yellow mask with black crown
Herodias, his consort: Light glittery mask with blue crown
The young gaoler: Black mask with yellow hat
John the Baptist: White mask with lipstick
The Moon: a spotlight
Photos by Jesper Veileby and Hanna Urich Rorsman