Photos show snakes auditioning for a role at New York’s Metropolitan Opera

Performance artist Zoe Ziegfeld, who plays the part of a snake charmer, handles a snake during auditions to select a snake for a part in an adaptation of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte," at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. Andres Kudacki - FR170905 AP▲

Animal talent expert Nancy Novograd, right, interacts with performance artist Zoe Ziegfeld, who plays the part of a snake charmer, during auditions to select a snake for a part in an adaptation of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte," at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. Andres Kudacki - FR170905 AP▲

Animal talent expert Nancy Novograd poses for a portrait during auditions to select a snake for a part in an adaptation of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte," at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. Andres Kudacki - FR170905 AP▲

A snake is auditioned for a part in an adaptation of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte," at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. Andres Kudacki - FR170905 AP▲

A snake attends an audition for a part in an adaptation of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte," at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. Andres Kudacki - FR170905 AP▲

Performance artist Zoe Ziegfeld, who plays the part of a snake charmer, poses for a portrait with a snake during auditions to select a snake for a part in an adaptation of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte," at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. Andres Kudacki - FR170905 AP▲

By ANDRES KUDACKI - Associated Press

Sep 5, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Snakes auditioned for a role in the Metropolitan Opera’s “Così fan tutte” in New York, where performer Zoe Ziegfeld tested their comfort on stage. A boa constrictor named Princess won the part, with Nala as her understudy.

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