Opera Forward Festival 2023
Urgent, compelling and extravagant: the Opera Forward Festival (OFF) is a defiant exploration of uncharted territory. With ground-breaking music theatre productions, distinctive performances and in-depth programmes, we try to bring new sounds in the world of opera. Immerse yourself in musical performances and presentations by both established names and a new generation of creatives. From 3 to 12 March.
Read more about the OPERAS, SOUNDS, TALKS and LABS below.
Aftermovie OFF 2023


SOUNDS
From classical singing to jazz, techno, spoken word and noise – the Opera Forward Festival presents performances by artists working in a variety of disciplines. What they share with opera is their narrative approach to storytelling. You can hear SOUNDS at every performance at Dutch National Opera & Ballet; on 4 and 11 March, the afternoon programme is free.
Gregory Caers - ANIMA(LS)
The performances by director Gregory Caers and students from the MBO Theaterschool Rotterdam have become a popular part of the Opera Forward Festival. With his incisive theatrical language, Caers formulates physical responses to opera and music. ANIMA(LS) therefore picks up where OFF's production of Animal Farm leaves off. Animals move among humans and behave like them. They mirror, mimic and pose in a desperate attempt to fit in. But how long before something breaks? Be surprised by a special theatrical intervention in the festival heart at the end of Animal Farm (March 10) and Perle Noire (March 11).

LABS
OFF challenges the makers of tomorrow to make opera their own. Students from various art schools take inspiration from the opera genre as well as from the ideas and skills of their peers. Experience their research and findings in different shapes and sizes during the festival: the LABS.
OFF LAB Performing Arts
Follow the button below for more information on the five different performances, including the cast and libretti.
OFF LAB Performing Arts: book tickets
Book your free ticket via the button below for one of the timeslots and watch all five performances in sequence.

TALKS
Opera is a genre that can move and spark movement. That is why during the Opera Forward Festival, we will be hosting conversations about stereotyping, the climate crisis, inclusion, and on the power and responsibility of the genre and the institution. The TALKS will take place in our foyer on the evenings of Monday 6 March and Tuesday 7 March.
OPERAS
Central to OFF are three large-scale, daring performances that take us out of our comfort zone and in search of something new. OPERAS are available to anyone up to the age of 35 for just €20*, regardless of ticket category (*excluding booking fee).

ÄNDERE DIE WELT!
Music Eisler, Schumann, Rachmaninov, Beethoven et al.
Musical direction Pedro Beriso
Stage direction Mart van Berckel
Does change mean progress if history keeps repeating itself? We shout “Ändere die Welt!” (“Change the world!”), but how do we make that happen? Singers from the Dutch National Opera Studio and spoken-word artist Amara van der Elst lead the audience through this unique performance that weaves together existing, familiar music to create a powerful innovative collage.

ANIMAL FARM
Music Alexander Raskatov
Musical direction Bassem Akiki
Stage direction Damiano Michieletto
A musical adaptation of a satirical fable. Animal Farm is a revolutionary opera based on George Orwell’s timeless novel about a revolution gone wrong. The dystopian setting and turmoil of shifting worldviews are translated into a new, extreme, tempestuous composition.

PERLE NOIRE: MEDITATIONS FOR JOSÉPHINE
Music Tyshawn Sorey
Concept, co-creation and performance Julia Bullock
Stage direction Peter Sellars
An unprecedentedly popular artist, civil rights activist and 20th century resistance hero. Perle Noire delves into the life and tribulations of the icon Joséphine Baker from a modern perspective. The jazz-imbued compositions and improvisations offer a meditative reflection on her life.
Trailer Opera Forward Festival 2023


Pre-opening tentoonstelling 'Shifting the Narrative'
Met trots presenteren OSCAM en modeplatform OHIM de modetentoonstelling ‘Shifting the Narritive’; een multidisciplinaire modetentoonstelling die de Zwarte man centraal stelt. Verwacht een show met nieuw en opwindend werk van nationale en internationale artiesten die reflecteren op de Zwarte man in de mode. Voor deze tentoonstelling werkte OSCAM samen met het decoratelier van Nationale Opera & Ballet, waar de ateliermedewerkers het decor ontwikkelden. Bezoekers van het Opera Forward Festival hebben op zondag 12 maart vanaf 18.00 uur exclusief toegang tot de pre-opening party bij OSCAM in Amsterdam Zuidoost.
Locatie: Bijlmerplein 110, Amsterdamse Poort
Datum: Zondag 12 maart
Tijd: 18.00 - 21.00 uur
Foto: Carin Verbruggen
Programme OFF
Follow the button below to check out the timetable for the Opera Forward Festival 2023 by day, location, and time.