ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

From the pen of the audacious 17th-century composer Alessandro Stradella comes this world-premiere staging of an oratorio that tells the biblical Salome story with all its gruesome drama. Co-produced with Catapult Opera and given a new English text by Bari Biern, the production marks the first time Stradella’s masterpiece has been brought to life on stage, after being written as a concert work. The story follows John the Baptist as he confronts King Herod and his family, leading to a tragic demand for John’s head. Stage and music direction are by Timothy Nelson, with design by Josh Sticklin, Yannick Godts, and Oana Botez.

When: Two performance runs: at the Pop-Up Theater @ 340 Maple Drive, DC on October 2–4 at 8pm, and October 5 at 2:30pm; at Baltimore Theatre Project on October 10–11 at 8pm, and October 12 at 2:30pm.

Venue: Pop-Up Theater @ 340 Maple Drive, Washington, DC; and Baltimore Theatre Project, Baltimore, MD.

Run time: 90 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Lineup: Daniel Moody, Dawna Rae Warren, Greg Sliskovich, Andrew Adelsberger, Hayley Abramowitz.

Tickets: Price not available; for ticketing inquiries, email luz@inseries.org.

Note: The work features a synopsis in two parts: Part 1 covers John’s call to preach, Herod’s birthday celebration, and John’s confrontation and imprisonment; Part 2 follows Salome’s manipulation, her demand for John’s head, and the aftermath. Audience reactions are referenced but not detailed in the provided text.