Metropolitan Opera Casts Boa Constrictor in Role
A boa constrictor named Princess has been cast in the upcoming revival of Mozart's opera Cosi fan tutte.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Opera
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The Metropolitan Opera has officially appointed a boa constrictor named Princess to perform in an upcoming production of Mozart's Cosi fan tutte. The snake was selected following a special audition process to ensure temperament suitability for the stage.
Why it matters
The decision to use a live animal stems from a request by singer Samantha Hankey, who preferred a real snake over a traditional stage prop. This shift introduces unique logistical requirements for the production team to maintain safety and animal welfare.
The production is a revival of the original staging that debuted in 2018. Princess was selected to perform the role, while her daughter, Nala, serves as the designated understudy.
The players
Princess
Princess is a boa constrictor cast in the role of the snake for the Metropolitan Opera production.
Zoe Ziegfeld
Zoe Ziegfeld is the professional snake handler tasked with managing the animals during rehearsals and performances.
Samantha Hankey
Samantha Hankey is an opera singer who requested the use of a real snake for the production.
Nala
Nala is a boa constrictor and the daughter of Princess who has been cast as the production understudy.
Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera is a major performing arts institution based in New York City that hosts professional opera productions.
The details
Snake handler Zoe Ziegfeld, who brings experience from performances in Coney, managed the audition process by simulating stage handling. Ziegfeld will join the cast as a snake charmer during the performance to monitor the boa constrictor, who recently missed a rehearsal to shed her skin.
Timeline
The original production of the opera debuted in 2018.
The appointment of the snake was reported in October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This move signals a shift in how major houses handle complex production elements, moving away from reliance on traditional stage props in favor of live animals. It reflects broader trends in theatrical design where institutions are increasingly willing to adapt staging to specific performer requests.
Attendees at the upcoming revival will see a live animal on stage instead of the puppet used in previous versions. The production will feature a dedicated snake charmer to ensure the performance continues without interruption.
The takeaway
When managing live animals on stage, production teams prioritize behavioral assessments and health cycles like molting to ensure show reliability. Future performances may adjust scheduling if the animals require additional time for physical maintenance.
Further reading
For more on high-profile productions in the city, visit the Opera section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by World's Leading Classical Music Platform.
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