Ändere die Welt!

“It has always be my dream to one day direct something for Dutch National Opera, but that it would happen now, I never expected. I usually create my performances without a set script, and we also create Ändere die Welt! that way: we use a composition of several existing musical pieces as a basis, but we develop the rest during rehearsals. Of course this is exciting, but the fact that everyone in this team is still young and open to each other's ideas creates a safe environment. Everyone is allowed to provide input; I am curious to hear all ideas about the production. At certain set intervals I do have to withdraw to think about those ideas and to determine the direction of the piece - our cooperation consists of a sequence of giving space and taking space.”
- Mart van Berckel | concept and direction

The Opera Studio was launched in September 2018. The carefully selected participants gain important experience by participating in the professional environment of Dutch National Opera and are coached in every aspect of their professional development. In this way they gain crucial experience to give wings to their professional career.

The participants of the Opera Studio perform at foyer evenings, take part in workshops from international directors and coaches, sing small roles on the big stage and perform starring roles in the annual Opera Studio production.

“Opera and revolution: at first glance they don't seem to go together very well. But you don't have to delve far into history to discover that music and theatre have played an important role in every major social upheaval. Composers like Beethoven, Schumann, Wagner, Eisler and Weill wrote revolutionary music in turbulent times. This is the music we bring in Ändere die Welt!, a collage of scenes that makes you think about the need for structural change and how to achieve it in today's world. The performance comes about as a co-creation, with input from the various artistic disciplines. Music from the past provides ideas to shape a new future. At the same time, we work with promising young talent from the Dutch National Opera Studio. It's a revolution I'm happy to be a part of!”
- Pedro Beriso | musical director, arranger and pianist

“Combining spoken word with other art forms is always a big 'YES' for me. The difference with opera is huge: spoken word is direct, it has rough edges, it is in colloquial language and I tell it like it is, whereas opera in its classical form is very poetic and abstract. But if you let these art forms blend together strategically or, on the contrary, stand next to each other in all their contrast, it creates a very special dynamic. So we as makers are not afraid to combine extremes or to play with traditions; that is what makes you realise that this production was made by young people. Our version of opera may be different - but it is refreshing. We challenge the audience to a piece of self-reflection, wrapped in the elegance of opera.”
- Amara van der Elst | spoken word artist

Almost every performance at Dutch National Opera & Ballet is preceded by an introduction, with background information that can deepen your theatre visit. The introductions are in Dutch and admission is free by showing a valid ticket.

Introduction Ändere die Welt by: Jasmijn van Wijnen
Time: 45 minutes before the start of each performance
Location: 2nd balcony