Neanitha’s Lament – Jonathan Selstad

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

Neanitha’s Lament

 

Description:

‘Neanitha’s Lament’ is a section of an epic that is ‘translated’ from a language I have built and is set in a universe I have sub-created. The hero of the story, Neanitha is captured by a demon-like figure who is trying to convince him to rebel against his god and join their side in the rebellion. Consequently, the poem speaks of breaking in both the sense of crushing oppression as well as a trial through which the only hope of freedom is from the inbreaking of Neanitha’s god and king.  

You can read more about the process behind this piece here. and the author’s commentary about the work here.

 

Bio:

Jonathan Selstad grew up in Orange County, California, and studied Bible and Theology at Biola University. As a student pursuing an Mlitt. in Theology and the Arts at the University of St. Andrews, he is interested in exploring how literary theories as described by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien may inform a charitable reading towards literature and the Bible. But when his studies permit, he enjoys creating poetry and fiction, imagining whole worlds set in the universe beyond our sight while adventuring the countryside with his fiancée.

Author

  • Karen is finishing a PhD program in the Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts after careers in corporate management, consulting, and pastoral and theatre ministry. She explores theological and theatrical contexts of ’empty space’ and general human disposition toward it, with emphasis on improvisation (specifically Playback Theatre) and Holy Saturday. Since 2017, Karen has led or advised ITIA’s Transept group, a postgraduate-led group of multidisciplinary practicing artists. Karen was an editor for Transpositions from 2017 to 2022. As Editor-in-Chief, she fostered a closer partnership between Transpositions and Transept, hosted the In/break exhibition on the Transpositions site, and introduced regular series into the publishing schedule.