Graphic adaptation of Salome
Title: Adaptations of Pelleas & Melisande; Salome; Ein Heldentraum; Cavalleria Rusticana
Form: graphic novel
Published: 2004
Location: United States
Reflections:
Craig Russell’s introduction references Oscar Wilde’s play and Richard Strauss’ opera and reputations of “shocking depravity” of these works. His narrative interpretation focuses on the young Salome’s decadent upbringing and lack of compassion. Her attraction to John the Baptiste is first spiritual (ethical) because she hears his voice before seeing his physicality.
Russell references traditional dynamics where men dominate attractive women with predatory gazes through illustrations of Salome assessing the scantily clad men around her and their clear discomfort in her presence.
