Opera auditions usually involve singers and musicians, but one upcoming production at New York’s Metropolitan Opera has given the process an unusual twist. A sun-glow boa constrictor named Princess has been selected for a role in Mozart’s Così fan tutte.
Princess was chosen after reptiles were evaluated for how calmly they could behave around people and handle the movements required during the performance. The audition process involved handling the snakes, allowing them to wrap around the performer and lifting them in ways similar to what would happen on stage.
Her calm behaviour, size and distinctive appearance reportedly helped her stand out. She also has an understudy: a smaller brown boa named Nala, who can step in if Princess is unable to perform.
The production gives Mozart’s opera a very different setting. The story has been moved to a 1950s Coney Island carnival, complete with colourful scenery and sideshow-inspired performers.
The snake handler, Zoe Ziegfeld, already had experience performing snake-charmer shows at Coney Island. Her background helped bring the unusual reptile role to the opera stage.
Princess’s appearance is a reminder that live theatre can include performers of many unexpected kinds—and this time, one of them happens to be a boa constrictor.