Cânticos para a remissão da fome

The title emerges as a counterpoint to the title of the Book of Songs of the Starving, which circulated clandestinely in the Ravensbrück concentration camp and consisted of a collection of recipes from the countries of origin of the detainees. However, in the opera, hunger is inferred through symbolism and analogies, never in a realistic way. The main source of inspiration for the libretto was the book by Margarete Buber-Neumann (Milena, Kafka’s Friend), dedicated to Milena Jesenská, Margarete’s companion in internment and misfortune at the Ravensbrück detention camp. As a guiding thread of what could be called the thematic fabric, there is a growing solidarity between the two detainees (First Prisoner as Milena and the Second Prisoner as Margarete), with them assuming various roles throughout the opera, according to the imaginary time that accompanies the real narrative time. The two prisoners create theatrical situations within their detention space as a way to escape the horror of the prison, living within a parallel reality. This friendship thus triumphs over the fear of death and torture and remains an undying testament to friendship. Around this dramatic nucleus floats an unreal figure (the character Shudi), holder of a type of knowledge detached from human suffering. Their impotence only serves to strengthen what is the true gift of life incarnate.