New-York tribune., 1910-04-24
"POIA" GIVEN IN BERLIN
A Warm Welcome Accorded
Arthur Nevin's Opera.


Berlin. April Z3.-"Poia." Arthur Nevia's
Indian opera. based or legends of the
Blackfeet gathered by Walter McClintock.
OF Pittsburg, was produced at the Royal
Opera tonight. and was applauded gener-
ousiy by the audience Mr. Nevin and Ran
dolpE Hartley. who wrote the text. were
called out five times at the end Of the sec
ond act and eight times at the end OF the
opera.
The management OF the Royal Opera had
given much thought and labor to the COS
tunes and scenery, which were imposing
and picturesque DR. Carl NIX conducted
Among those present were the American
Ambassador and Mrs. Hill the American
Consul General and Mrs. Thackara. the
members OF the embassy. Mr.. and Mrs
George ". Vanderbilt. Mr.. and Mrs. Mo-
gan Goetchius. of New York; Mr. and Mrs
Robert Nevin. Of Pittsburg; Frank S. Han
nah. Consul at Magdehurs; Count Reeoach'
manager OF the Royal Opera at Dresden
and many Americans resident in Berlin.
There was some Kissing. but that is al
ways the case in new productions at the
Royal Opera. and il was not so marked as
ar 'Elektra" or the first production OF
'Sardanapalus' Judging from the talk
among the critics in the lobbies. sharp crit
icism is likely tomorrow. Mr.. Nevin
orchestration. however. is highly praised
Mrs. Francis MacLennan CFlOrence Easton)
sang the part CT Natoya, and Herr kirch-
hoff the part Of POia-
The Berlin Royal Opera usually brings
out either one new opera each season or
some splendid reproduction. Count Won
Hulsen, the superintendent OF the opera,
chose this year '.Poia" The Emperor has
taken = personal interest in the prOduc-
ton. which was staged magnifcently with
great mountain and woodland scenes. The
costumes. wigwams and camp scenes FOL
lowed the studies Of Walter McClintOck.
who has lived for the greater part OF twelve
years among the Blackfeet OF Wyoming and
Canada. Mr.. Nevin spent two summers
with Mr. McClntock with the Blackfeet
and gathered Indian love scenes and re-
Iigious hymns which are woven into tn
opera.
A war dance is introduced into the or
chestration. The orchestra included seven
new beating instruments. cymbals. tom
toms and the xylophone for suggesting the
Indian music This is the first American
opera OF length 20 be produced in Berlin.
short piece by Henry Waller having been
rendered by the Royal Opera some years
ago
The story Of "Poia'' is a legend of the
red Indian MahOmet. the holy one sent 60
earth by Natosi, a sun god, and branded by
the god with a scar on the forehead in ex-
piation Of the sins Of men ''Poia' meets
an Indian girl. Natoya, and loves her. but
is rejected because he cannot say that the
scar was won in battle. She accepts the
suit of Sumatsi. the Worker OF Evil Po;a
consuIts Nonshu. the prophecies. who tells
him the origin Of the scar and asks him 70
seek the sun god and pray for ils removal.
Poia goes forth seeking the sun Go'l-
After long wandering while he is in forest
his strength fails him. the clouds dissolve,
and Natosi shines forth in glory attended
BY the moon. the four seasons, winds. thun-
der and lightning. Natosi tells the mortal
TO be gone. but the moon interceded. and re-
lates how the child OF the sun gcd. Episus
the Morning Star. is attacked by eagles
that are not TO be beaten cT by the winds
or the thunders- Poia kills the eagles with
his bow and arrows NatOsi Obli.erates the
scar and would immortaIlze Poia. but le
askes 10 be allowed to return 10 earth 20
wed Natoya. He goes. and takes with him
reed pipe 10 charm Natoya's soul
Poia finds that Natoya has given herself
to Sumatsi and is scorned by the tribe. The
curse laid on POia has fallen upon the
world Natoya is about 10 run away with
Sunatsi. but is detained by the notes OF
the magic pipe. POia appears: Natoya'S
love for him is horn again. Sumatsi Z
wild jealousy attacks Poia, but Natoya re-
ceives the fatal thrust. Sumatsi. springins
again to attack Poia, is thrust through by
shaft OF sunlight. NatOsi appears and
takes Poia and Natoya to BE- with him IT
the happv fields