Salomé

by Oscar Wilde

"Salomé" by Oscar Wilde is a one-act tragedy first published in French in 1893. The play depicts the dangerous obsession of Salome, stepdaughter of Herod Antipas, with the imprisoned prophet Jokanaan (John the Baptist). Her fascination leads to seduction attempts, a infamous dance, and deadly consequences. Banned in Britain for decades due to its biblical characters, the play found success in Europe and inspired Richard Strauss's renowned opera, overshadowing Wilde's original work.