Dutch National Opera

Theory of Flames

Michel van der Aa (1970)

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Photo: Hugo Thomassen

Dates

6 – 22 March 2026

Location

Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Main Stage

Running time

1:30

Tickets

From € 19

Vrouw met links een spiegelbeeld en glazen van vergrootglazen met haar reflectie

Photo: Hugo Thomassen

Fusion of film and opera

In this new film opera, Michel van der Aa explores pressing themes such as disinformation and conspiracy theories. Conflicting perspectives not only fuel polarisation in society but also create tensions between friends and family. In Theory of Flames, film director Neola becomes entangled in a web of alternative facts, while her loved ones watch on helplessly.

Following the success of Upload, the acclaimed Dutch composer and director now presents a world premiere where film and music theatre merge. A must-see for lovers of contemporary opera and visual storytelling.

Groundbreaking film opera

In Theory of Flames, director Neola is working on a science fiction film inspired by groundbreaking research that ended in disaster: a fire destroyed the laboratory. As she delves deeper into her research, she makes shocking discoveries and becomes increasingly entangled in a web of alternative facts. For her partner Marianne and her friend Josh, it becomes ever harder to reach her. What do you do when someone you love—and thought you knew—gradually becomes a stranger?

Multiple realities on a single stage

In this world premiere, film and stage design blend seamlessly, challenging audiences to reflect on what is real and what is not. Soprano Mary Bevan and mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston make their house debuts as Neola and her partner Marianne. Baritone Roderick Williams returns to Dutch National Opera, this time as cameraman Josh, while soprano Julia Bullock appears in the film footage. Conductor Elena Schwarz, a specialist in contemporary music, returns to Amsterdam for this world premiere following her successful debut with Kaija Saariaho’s Innocence in 2023.

Ticket sales start

Ticket sales for Theory of Flames start on 28 August 2025 at 12 noon. Don’t want to miss this on-sale moment? Sign up for our ticket alert and receive a notification when ticket sales open.

Performance information

World premiere

Film opera in five scenes

Sung in English

Music and libretto Michel van der Aa

Musical direction Elena Schwarz
Stage and film direction Michel van der Aa
Set and lighting design Theun Mosk
Dramaturgy Madelon Kooijman, Niels Nuijten

Neola Mary Bevan
Marianne Helen Charlston
Josh Roderick Williams
Scientist (on film) Julia Bullock

Residentie Orkest

Chorus of Dutch National Opera (on film)
Chorus master Edward Ananian-Cooper

Composition commission and co-production of Dutch National Opera, doubleA Foundation (Amsterdam), The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet and the Bregenz Festival

Order tickets

Ticket sales for Theory of Flames start on 28 August 2025 at 12 noon. Don’t want to miss this on-sale moment? Sign up for our ticket alert and receive a notification when ticket sales open.

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Revitalising the established repertoire

Michel van der Aa and Meriç Artaç on their new operas

This special anniversary edition of OFF features new works by composers from the rich Dutch music scene. Michel van der Aa presents his latest opera, Theory of Flames, while Meriç Artaç's new music theatre piece, Requiem, will also have its premiere.