This March, Brian Mulligan returns to Teatro di San Carlo as Jochanaan in Richard Strauss’ Salome, with performances on March 20, 23, 26, and 29. Conducted by Dan Ettinger, the production features stage direction by Manfred Schweigkofler, set design by Nicola Rubertelli, costumes by Daniela Ciancio, lighting by Claudio Schmid and choreography by Valentina Versino.
Praised by Bachtrack, Schweigkofler’s production “immerses the drama in a sort of no place-no time atmosphere, though tinged with a tang of the early decades of the twentieth century, the prurient age when the piece appeared. But although the production setting is not historically precise, it is wholly faithful to the libretto, showing the terrace of Herod’s palace with its big staircase and a cistern lid in the centre. The inclined giant mirror dominating the stage and reflecting the drawing reproduced on the floor added to the unceasing sense of alienation felt by the public, who at the end applauded enthusiastically.”
Mr. Mulligan, who made his role debut as Jochanaan at Dutch National Opera in 2022, joins a stellar cast led by Ricarda Merbeth as Salome, alongside Charles Workman as Herod, Lioba Braun as Herodias, and John Findon as Narraboth.
Photo: Dario Acosta