CalArts School of Theater Presents Salomé

Through Saturday (Dec. 10), CalArts School of Theater presents Salomé, a reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s 1891 eponymous play, at the Modular Theater.

Drawing from biblical passages, Salomé tells the story of Princess Salomé of Judea, stepdaughter of King Herod, who becomes enthralled by the prophet, Jokanaan (John the Baptist). After he refuses to reciprocate her advances, she performs the infamous dance of the seven veils for the King to obtain the prophet’s severed head on a silver platter.

Adapted and directed by Michael Alvarez (Theater MFA 18), the CalArts production features new original music by songwriter Ella Grace, with sound design by Sam Sewell (Theater MFA 17) and music direction by Jesse Vandenkooy (Critical Studies MFA 17).

“This production infuses the classic text of Wilde with a vibrantly original pop/rock score,” according to the event listing. “Through song, the characters are liberated to speak their truth beyond the written text and fight to free themselves from the historical narrative they are trapped in.”

Salomé stars Abigail Stanton (Theater BFA 19), Caleb Fietsam (Theater BFA 19), Carly Bayer (Theater BFA 18), Casey Maione (Theater BFA 19), Chance Lang (Theater BFA 19), Danny Cron (Theater BFA 18), Everett Keeter (Theater BFA 19), Fernando Mitre Rodriguez (Theater BFA 19), Joana Knezevic (Theater MFA 18), Julian Sandoval (Theater BFA 17), Kristin Wetenkamp (Theater BFA 19), Lily Edward Christie (Theater BFA 19), Megan Hackett (Theater BFA 17), Micah Mora (Theater BFA 19) and Mohammed Elmasry (Theater BFA 18).

The production features scene design by Tanya Orellana (Theater MFA 17), scenic art by William Arthur Shirey (Theater MFA 17), costume design by Dorothy Zhu (Theater MFA 18), lighting design by Lucas Garrity (Theater MFA 17), makeup by Xuan Hu (Film/Video BFA 17), choreography by Mora and props by faculty Christian Cummings. Salomé is produced by April Tse (Theater MFA 18), with technical direction by Adam Tantillo (Theater MFA 18), stage management by Ceton Tate (Theater MFA 18) and production management by Irina Krutous (Theater MFA 18).