The Naiads – Actor

Zoe A. Tyler portrayed one of the Naiads for Phoenix’s Largest Dia de Los Muertos Festival, MIKIZTLI [mee-kish-tlee] presented by Cultural Coalition in 2022. This project was originally commissioned by Vessel for the Puente Festival in 2014. The Naiads are water nymphs come from Greek mythology. This re-interpretation of the Naiads brings awareness to the scarcity of water.

Vessel’s website best describes the project, along with its environmental awareness goals.

The essence of a Naiad was bound to her spring, so if a Naiad’s body of water dried, she would die. Working with local Mesa-based master mask maker Zarco Guerrero, we created four Naiads combining Vessel’s Transfix with Zarco’s beautifully hand-crafted masks, the synthesis creating something entirely new. Adorned in all-white accented with organic elements–feathers, bones, twigs and other natural elements–the Naiads draw attention to the scarcity of water in a poetic, haunting way.

One of Zoe’s favorite memories from this production was meeting master mask maker, Zarco Guerrero

Festival by the Cultural Coalition
Producer & Performer: Rachel Bowditch
Master Mask Maker: Zarco Guerrero