Preserving and letting go
Nyctea means ‘at night’ and is a kind of ancient forest spirit in female form. Nyctea's task is to protect what could be lost in this world. So she gradually sweeps mountains, forests and rivers and brings snail shells, mushrooms, lichens, antlers, bones and feathers to her cave. But the most precious treasures are the bones and feathers of owls, which Nyctea lovingly shapes and assembles. As she does so, she sings and breathes life into the owl, which then spreads its wings and flies away forever... leaving behind only one or two fluffy feathers and a faint memory of its beauty.
The title and play are inspired by a story by Kim Bateman. Texts in the piece are by Chief Dan George and the Navajo (Walk in Beauty).
4tune audio production
Martin Klebahn
recording: 08.12.2021, A-Vienna