Michel van der Aa / Works / 

Theory of Flames

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In this new film opera, 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?  

At the center of this work is Neola, a director creating a science fiction film about a research project that ended in a devastating laboratory fire. As she investigates further, her research leads her down unexpected paths where alternative explanations begin to reshape her perspective. Her growing obsession with these discoveries creates distance between her and those closest to her – partner Marianne and friend Josh – who struggle to understand her changing worldview.

“The opera explores how differing perceptions of truth can create profound barriers between people who care deeply for one another,” explains Van der Aa. “It asks us to consider what happens when our fundamental understanding of reality no longer aligns with those we love.”

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. The Residentie Orkest performs under conductor Elena Schwarz, with the Dutch National Opera chorus featured in the film segments. The creative team also includes set and lighting designer Theun Mosk and dramaturges Madelon Kooijman and Niels Nuijten.

Theory of Flames is a commission and co-production of Dutch National Opera, The Norwegian National Opera, the Bregenz Festival, and the doubleA Foundation.

The world premiere at Dutch National Opera is scheduled for March 6, 2026, with further performances on March 8, 12, 14, 17, and 22. Ticket sales start on August 28, 2025.

Instrumentation

Film opera
2024-2025

1 soprano
1 mezzosoprano
1 baritone

1 mezzosoprano (film)
choir, 12 voices (film)

Chamber Orchestra

Film, 4 channels
Soundtrack, surround

Details

Duration

95′

First Performance

6 March 2026
Muziektheater, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Commissioned by

Dutch National Opera, The Norwegian National Opera, the Bregenz Festival, and the doubleA Foundation.

With support of Ammodo, fonds podiumkunsten.

Publisher

Boosey & Hawkes

Performances

Upcoming performance


6 March 2026

Theory of Flames (world premiere)

Dutch National Opera. Mary Bevan, Helen Charlston, Roderick Williams, Julia Bullock. Residentie Orkest, Musical director: Elena Schwarz

Muziektheater, Amsterdam, Netherlands

All performances of Theory of Flames