The basis for the Salome plot can be found in the Gospel of Mark 6:14-29. Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) took up the material in his novel “Herodias” from 1877 and added the sensuality of Salome to it. Oscar Wilde used Flaubert’s version in his play “Salome” in 1891, causing a scandal, especially in England. It was censored and banned as an adaptation of biblical material. Salome’s sexual desire was probably intolerable.

Andrea Baker: Herodias | Production: Le Lab