RSC Friends

Photograph by David Isaac.

Herod’s palace reverberates to thunderous power chords of Perfume Genius and we are led to the dungeons where political prisoners and holy men are detained. Iokanaan, the prophet, rails against the corruption and depravity of the court which intrigues Herod’s stepdaughter, the princess Salome. Salome played by an androgynous Matthew Tennyson in a slip and red high heels captures the wilful self absorption of the princess whose anger at the prophet’s rejection of her advances will bring about his destruction.

Herod’s obsession with Salome and his determination that she should dance for him and his leering courtiers leads him to offer ever more extravagant rewards in return for her performance. The prize she demands is the head of the prophet. Herod must comply with Salome’s uncompromising demand and endure the curse that must fall upon his house.