The savage power of ancient myth collides with twentieth-century decadence in Oscar Wilde's astonishing tragedy. Salome, stepdaughter of King Herod, agrees to perform the mysterious and erotic Dance of the Seven Veils - but demands in return the head of the King's most infamous prisoner, Iokanaan (John the Baptist). To avoid censorship by the Lord Chamberlain, Wilde originally wrote Salome in French, and it premiered in Paris in 1896, while he was in prison. The play was finally seen in London in 1906, but has yet to gain the massive popularity of his comedies. This edition of Salome, published alongside a UK tour by Headlong in 2010, includes new introductions by the academic Trevor R. Griffiths and Ben Power of Headlong.
Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde was an Irish playwright, novelist, and essayist known for his wit, flamboyant style, and sharp social commentary. His most famous works include the play "The Importance of Being Earnest" and the novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray," both of which explore themes of identity, morality, and societal expectations. Wilde's writing is characterized by clever wordplay, satirical humor, and a keen observation of human nature. He was a key figure in the aesthetic and decadent movements of the late 19th century and is considered one of the most important voices in British literature. Wilde's impact on literature can be seen in his subversion of conventional Victorian norms and his pioneering use of irony and paradox.
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