Second Breath is a performance that delves into the physicality of sound as it moves through the primal essence of the voice: the breath. Through this, artist Myra-Ida van der Veen unravels the intricate relationship between the human body and the ethereal vibrations that emanate from within. When one sings, they fill their lungs with air. The air flows out, and by shaping different parts of their body, they create certain sounds: temporal voices, temporal breath. Drawing inspiration from the fascinating anatomy of frogs, van der Veen ingeniously crafts an environment that blurs the lines between choir, performance, and choreography. 

Central to the piece is a transformative wearable instrument – an extension of the performer's lungs that shapes around their chest, capturing the essence of breath, and transforming it into a resonating chamber for sound. Through the interplay of movement and sound, Second Breath invites performers and audience alike on a journey of self-discovery and connection. Together, they explore the inherent challenges of breath retention, the nuances of listening and being heard, and the poignant experience of losing one's voice in the vast expanse of space. As the performers collectively navigate the boundaries of breath and sound, they enter a trance-like state, communing together in a transcendental way that foregrounds the interconnectedness of life. In this shared moment of vulnerability, Second Breath serves as a powerful reminder of the profound beauty and fragility of the human experience.