Considering the historic and ongoing treatment of female sexuality, I always had this sinking inkling that the biblical Salomé got a bad rap, or that the story was conveniently two-dimensional, in the very least. A more fleshed-out look at the sensuous young dancer will be presented this week in a theatrical production which features graphic novel illustrations by P. Craig Russell, based on Richard Strauss's opera, "Salomé," and accompanied by a reworked instrumental rendition of the opera in presentations at the University of Rochester and its Eastman School of Music

"Salomé" will be performed by Table Top Opera, a chamber ensemble of Eastman faculty, alumni, and friends, at 8 p.m., Wednesday, October 8, in Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre (60 Gibbs Street), and at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 10, in the Interfaith Chapel on the River Campus (Wilson Drive, University of Rochester). The music will be paired with Russell's pictures, which will be projected above the musicians during the performance, and a newly choreographed version of Salomé's "Dance of the Seven Veils."

Admission to the October 8 performance of "Salomé" in Kodak Hall is $10, free to University of Rochester faculty, students, and staff with ID. Admission to the October 10 performance in the Interfaith Chapel is free. The project features a symposium along with the opera performances. For more information, call 274-1000 or visit esm.rochester.edu.