Teatru Manoel has revealed the international cast bringing Oscar Wilde's provocative tragedy Salomé to life this November. Directed by Adrian Buckle, the production brings together established performers and emerging talents in a bold interpretation of the literary classic, exploring themes of desire, obsession, identity and power. The production will run for six performances between 6 and 15 November 2026 at Malta's national theatre.

Taking on the title role is British actor Timothy Blore, whose career spans theatre, television and film, including performances in London's West End and screen appearances in The King's Man and Disney+'s Rivals. In this interpretation, Salomé is portrayed by a male performer, introducing a distinctive perspective on Wilde's complex protagonist and challenging conventional perceptions of the character.

Joining Blore is British-Palestinian actor Tarik Badwan as Iokanaan, the imprisoned prophet whose rejection of Salomé sets the tragedy in motion. Badwan has worked internationally in theatre and film, including projects with the Royal Opera House and Netflix.

Acclaimed Maltese actor Mikhail Basmadjian takes on the role of Herod, bringing more than 35 years of experience across stage and screen. His extensive theatrical credits include A View from the Bridge, Medea, Chicago and The Chairs. Opposite him, Magda van Kuilenburg portrays Herodias, drawing on her experience in contemporary theatre and international performance.

The cast also features Joel Parnis as the Page of Herodias, whose international musical theatre career includes Les Misérables, My Fair Lady, Titanic and Anastasia. Victor De Bono appears as the Cappadocian, while Miguel Muscat takes on the role of the Young Syrian. Completing the acting ensemble are Barry Kolman as the Jew, Francesco Borg as the Nazarene and Karl Schembri as Naaman.

Movement plays a central role in the production, with Tunisian-born choreographer Chakib Zidi leading a dance ensemble featuring Sarah Vella, Mona Fazaa, Angela Bettoni and Rebecca Grech. Through choreography and physical expression, the performers contribute to the production's exploration of control, desire and the tensions within Herod's court.

Director Adrian Buckle's interpretation places particular emphasis on the relationship between identity and power. In this production, Salomé is conceived as a prince who identifies and presents as a woman, using the way she is perceived within Herod's court to challenge and manipulate the power structures surrounding her.

The production brings together an international creative team, with set design by Romualdo Moretti, costume design by Aleksandra Idowiak, lighting design by Chris Gatt, and original music and sound design by Albert Garzia. The creative approach combines Wilde's poetic language with movement, atmospheric soundscapes and striking visual elements.

Written in 1891, Salomé remains one of Wilde's most daring works, examining the destructive consequences of forbidden desire and the pursuit of absolute power. This new production invites audiences to rediscover the tragedy through a contemporary theatrical interpretation. As part of the wider Salomé programme, Teatru Manoel will also present Richard Strauss's operatic Salome in concert on 12 November, conducted by Barry Kolman, who also performs in the theatrical production.

The production is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over and contains nudity.

Tickets and further information are available at www.teatrumanoel.mt.