Through studying the story, broader questions emerged: What happens when a community collectively turns away from whom they may consider the “others”? When people begin to abandon their sense of moral and ethical responsibility toward one another? History suggests that such indifference can lead to profound tragedy—genocide, persecution, and systemic injustice. “The Dark Abyss” explores these themes through a music video depicting the execution of Joan
of Arc, a young woman once celebrated as a hero by her community who was ultimately condemned by those around her—individuals she most assuredly considered her neighbors. Kara’s etudes for guitar and voice are performance studies that pair instrumental technique with vocal expression. Each piece reflects a different aspect of the story through musical character and text: Etude I: The Road, Etude II: Nonfeasance and Reasons, and Etude III: The Light.
Kara Tucker is an Indianapolis-based musician and composer specializing in guitar. She writes and performs with StarChaser, a progressive metal band. Her recent works for the RSA are inspired by moments from the Good Samaritan story, particularly the figures who pass by the wounded traveler. To fully understand the narrative, it is essential to consider these characters and the roles they play. The passersby are complex and, at times, uncomfortably familiar; they reflect the reality that we, too, can overlook our neighbors in moments of need.
