22 February 2026

World premiere Theory of Flames

In his new film opera, Theory of Flames, Michel van der Aa examines how conspiracy theories and disinformation can threaten our human lives. The stage premiere at Dutch National Opera, opening on 6 March, will be followed by future performances at Norwegian National Opera and the Bregenz Festival.

Dutch National Opera presents the world premiere of Michel van der Aa’s film opera, Theory of Flames, opening in Amsterdam on 6 March for a run of five performances.

Theory of Flames is scored for three singers on stage, a film with one singer, choir and 12 actors, live chamber orchestra and soundtrack. Elena Schwarz conducts the five performances at the Muziektheater with the Residentie Orkest and a cast including Mary Bevan and Aphrodite Patoulidou sharing the lead role of Neola, joined by Helen Charlston, Roderick Williams and Julia Bullock (on film). Performances in Amsterdam are presented as part of the Opera Forward Festival in its 10th anniversary year, from 6 to 22 March at Dutch National Opera & Ballet.

The new 95-minute opera is a commission and co-production of Dutch National Opera, The Norwegian National Opera, the Bregenz Festival, and the doubleA Foundation, with support of Ammodo, Gieskes-Strijbis Fonds, Simac, PixReal, Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, and Fonds podiumkunsten.

In Theory of Flames Michel van der Aa examines one of the most urgent questions of our time: how do we process information in an era when truth becomes increasingly elusive? The opera arrives at a crucial moment, as disinformation has become a daily reality, and influential figures reach millions of people through social media with conspiracy theories and disinformation.

Theory of Flames translates this societal challenge into a personal story. The opera poses fundamental questions: How do we maintain meaningful relationships with people whose reality radically differs from our own? What happens when facts become a matter of belief rather than evidence? Do we have the right to choose our own version of truth, even if it separates us from those we love?

Ticket can be purchased here.

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