Dutch National Opera

The Theory of Everything

Carlijn Metselaar (1989)

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Photo: Michiel Spijkers

Dates

19 – 26 October 2025

Location

Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Studio Boekman

Running time

TBA

Tickets

From € 17

Meisje voor een spiegel, van de ene kant dansend en van de andere kant met labjas aan

Photo: Michiel Spijkers

Energetic youth opera that unites different worlds

Nia is looking for more time. With the hours she has, it just doesn’t seem possible to help her grandmother in the lab while also training in her aunt’s dance studio. Will she have to make a choice? The Theory of Everything shows that it doesn’t always have to be ‘one or the other’. This spoken-word opera blends opera and dance, classical music and spoken word in a magical and philosophical adventure. Stage director Naomi van der Linden and musical director Hanne van de Vrie jointly initiated this musical family production, with music by composer Carlijn Metselaar and text by multidisciplinary word artist Roziena Salihu. After a successful run two years ago, the production returns this autumn holiday.

Unexpected discoveries

Grandmother, a leading scientist, wants Nia to use her exceptional mathematical talent to help her make a breakthrough in physics with the ‘theory of everything’. But her aunt, a famous dancer, sees a different talent in Nia and wants her to focus entirely on dance. But Nia wants both. As she searches for a way to combine these worlds, she discovers that apparent contradictions can lead to something new.

A unique combination of music and movement

Not only in its story but also in its form, The Theory of Everything brings different disciplines together. This energetic youth opera shows that art and science are more closely connected than one might think. After a successful series of performances in 2023–2024, the production returns this autumn holiday.

Performance information

Dutch National Opera & Ballet advises a minimum age of 8 for this performance.

Revival

Sung in Dutch

Music Carlijn Metselaar

Libretto Roziena Salihu

Arrangements / composition of electronic music Jan van Eerd
Musical direction Hanne van de Vrie
Concept and stage direction Naomi van der Linden
Set and costume design Dymph Boss
Lighting design Ianthe van der Hoek
Choreography Jomecia Oosterwolde
Dramaturgy Naomi Teekens

Nia Houda Bibouda
Oma Elena Vink
Tante Jomecia Oosterwolde
Ensemble Nienke Nasserian, Anna Traub, Joris van Baar

Slagwerk en elektronica Jan van Eerd
Piano Charlie Bo Meijering
Cello Geneviève Verhage

Performances for schools
We offer an exclusive school matinee for primary school students. Explore the programme.

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Ticket prices

Adults	CJP \| Youth aged 16 and under
€ 15,00	€ 12,50

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.