“A kind of yellow” (“Der leuchtende Fluss”) is about the Pima Indian Ira Hayes, a hero of our times. In 1945 Ira is recruited for the war against Japan in his reserve. In this he sees the chance to leave the reserve and at the same time raise awareness for the misery of his people. He goes to war and fights on the island Iwo Jima. As one of the few survivors he takes part in setting up the American flag. During this the probably most known photo of young war history is taken. As a consequence Ira is appointed a hero and is used to fill up the war coffers. Ira tries to combine this assignment with his own concern. However, he finally lacks the strength. The war experiences have demoralised him and alcohol destroys him. Again and again he is haunted by visions of his people. When his lover tries to liberate him from this situation he gets shot.

Texts in the original language of the Indians are included into the libretto written by Wolfgang Hermann to let the fantastical and, myth-rich culture of the Pima speak. The title of the opera refers to the basic problematic of the Pima. Their water was taken away. The cultural roots of the folk that were lost through this during the course of actions return back to the protagonist through luminous visions.