Dutch National Opera

Techlab: Making new opera with a robot

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Dates

14 May 2025

Location

Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Studio Boekman

Running time

1:15, no interval

Tickets

From € 15

Techlab about a groundbreaking opera starring a KUKA robot

How do you create an opera in which an industrial robotic arm not only takes on a leading role but also sings? What does the voice of a robot sound like when it was originally designed to assemble cars? And what happens when you place this KUKA robot on stage alongside a hyperrealistic Japanese Bunraku puppet?

During the second edition of Techlab, you’ll have the unique opportunity to attend the work-in-progress presentation of ORITO and KUKA / THEY WHO REBUILD – a daring new production in which opera, technology and puppetry come together in experimental ways. Join the creative team as they explore the making process, get an exclusive preview of the music, and discover how an artistic investigation can evolve into a new form of opera that pushes all boundaries.

Making new opera with a robot

Centuries-old and cutting-edge

ORITO and KUKA / THEY WHO REBUILD offers a glimpse into a long and intensive exploration of the interaction between puppetry and robotics in opera, resulting in a unique musical and visual language. In the final production, old and new will merge: centuries-old techniques from the Bunraku tradition are combined with cutting-edge robotic technology. Through this innovative interdisciplinary collaboration, the production redefines the future of opera.

ORITO and KUKA / THEY WHO REBUILD is a co-production by Ulrike Quade Company, Stichting Modulus and Operafront. The opera is composed by Stephanie Pan, written by Lisenka Heijboer Castañón and will be co-directed by Heijboer Castañón and Ulrike Quade. Costumes will be designed by Carly Everaert, and scenography will be created by Hendrik Walther.

The KUKA as opera singer

One of the leading roles in ORITO and KUKA / THEY WHO REBUILD is performed by a KUKA robot – an industrial robotic arm commonly used in the automotive industry. In collaboration with Rick van Dugteren from Event Robotics and Maaike Bleeker from Utrecht University, the creators have explored how the KUKA can function as both a musical instrument and a performer. Can the KUKA, for instance, create music on its own? How do you compose music in dialogue with an industrial robot? And what does it mean to create an opera in which a robot sings? By translating mechanical movements into sounds and harmonic structures, the KUKA becomes a full-fledged musician – a robot that sings, moves, and creates a unique sound world. By integrating these industrial sounds and rhythmic structures into a rich musical landscape, the traditional boundaries of music theatre are both challenged and expanded.

ORITO and KUKA / THEY WHO REBUILD – the story

The world has ended. The only survivors are ORITO, a hyper-realistic Bunraku puppet, and KUKA, an industrial robot. Apparently, without memories or context, they attempt to construct a new reality. They search for meaning in a ruined world where nothing seems to remain. Digging through the rubble of sound and memory, they try to reconstruct what exactly happened – and to discover what, or who, might have survived the blast.

Programme

Spoken language: English

During the work-in-progress presentation of ORITO and KUKA/ THEY WHO REBUILD in Studio Boekman, you’ll get an exclusive opportunity to experience this experimental opera at an early stage and actively contribute to the artistic process by sharing your thoughts during the post-show discussion. The evening’s programme is as follows:

A journey through the creative process

Director and puppeteer Ulrike Quade, Professor of Theatre Studies Maaike Bleeker, composer and performer Stephanie Pan, and librettist and director Lisenka Heijboer Castañón will guide you through their artistic process and the theatrical and academic context of the production.

Presentation of selected scenes

With live music performed by six artists and the KUKA robot.

Discussion and Q&A

Join the conversation about the impact of working with technology in the world of performing arts and the future of ORITO and KUKA/ THEY WHO REBUILD.

Performance information

A production by Ulrike Quade Company, Stichting Modulus and Operafront

Music Stephanie Pan

Libretto Lisenka Heijboer Castañón

Stage direction Lisenka Heijboer Castañón and Ulrike Quade
In collaboration with Rick van Dughteren (Event Robotics), Maaike Bleeker (Utrecht University)
Bunraku puppet crafted by Hiroko Igeta, Watanabe Kazunori
Performers Jolanda van den Berg, Anat Spiegel, Ishtar Bakhtali, Roberta Maimone, Yung Tuan Ku, Stephanie Pan

Order tickets

Standard	CJP \| Stadspas \| Youth aged 16 and under
€ 13,00	€ 9,50

All prices exclude the booking fee (€ 2 per ticket).

Stadspas holders can attend a performance of their choice at Studio Boekman once a month for just € 5,00. Tickets are available by phone at 020 625 54 55 or at the Dutch National Opera & Ballet box office.

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Techlab: a space for experimentation

The work-in-progress presentation of ORITO and KUKA / THEY WHO REBUILD marks the second edition of Techlab. In this lab at Studio Boekman, opera and ballet makers are given space to experiment with digital technology. The focus lies on artistic research. The outcomes of that research are presented to the public, with reflections on both the creative and investigative process. The first edition of Techlab was Pulse, an exploration of the potential of AI for ballet.