'Le 〈Mythe Fin-de-Siècle〉 Par Excellence': Catalan and Spanish Versions of Oscar Wilde's Salomé

Abstract

The article explores Spanish and Catalan versions of a play which scandalized Europe. Margarita Xirgu's performances of the play in both Catalan and Spanish are analysed in the light of the career of this major actress who worked initially in Catalan and later in Spanish, and the reception of her performances in both Barcelona and Madrid are discussed using contemporary press reviews. Another related issue is that of the illustrated edition. Particular attention is paid to a 1908 Catalan translation of Salomé, illustrated by Adrià Gual, which sheds some light on a little-known aspect of the work of this Catalan playwright, director and teacher. Finally, the article examines the relevance of the play to the broader question of the development of a Modernist aesthetic within Spanish theatre as a whole.