Forget singing, dancing and dramatic monologues. At New York’s Metropolitan Opera, one unusual performer only had to prove that she could stay calm under the spotlight.
Princess, a sun-glow boa constrictor, has landed a role in an upcoming production of Mozart’s Così fan tutte. The snake was selected after auditioning alongside other reptiles for the unusual stage part.
Princess Had to Pass a Very Different Audition
The snake auditions were handled by Zoe Ziegfeld, a former Coney Island carnival performer who plays the snake handler in the production.
Rather than asking the reptiles to perform tricks, Ziegfeld observed how comfortable they were around people and with the movements they would need to make on stage. The snakes were handled, allowed to wrap around the performer and lifted as they would be during performances.
Princess stood out because of her larger size, striking appearance and calm behaviour.
There Is Even an Understudy
Princess will not be alone behind the scenes.
A slightly smaller brown boa named Nala has been selected as her understudy, ready to take over if Princess cannot perform.
It is an unusual reminder that, at least in this production, stage performers come in rather more forms than audiences might expect.
Mozart Gets a Coney Island Twist
The snakes are part of a new staging of Mozart’s Così fan tutte. While the original story remains largely intact, the production moves the action to a 1950s Coney Island carnival, complete with sideshow-style performers and colourful scenery.
That setting also makes the appearance of a professional snake handler feel right at home.
From Carnival Shows to the Opera Stage
Ziegfeld’s connection with snakes began long before the Metropolitan Opera.
They spent seasons performing snake-charming shows on Coney Island before bringing that experience to the opera world. This is the third time Ziegfeld has taken on the snake-charmer role in the Met’s adaptation.
Now, Princess is preparing for her own unusual moment in the spotlight.
For audiences, the sight of a boa constrictor appearing on one of the world’s most famous opera stages could prove to be one of the production’s most unexpected attractions.
