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 can be purchased here.
Cast, stage
Mary Bevan, Aphrodite Patoulidou – Neola
Helen Charlston – Marianne
Roderick Williams – Josh
Julia Bullock – Scientist (on film)
Residentie Orkest, conducted by Elena Schwarz
Choir of Dutch National opera (on film), conducted by Edward Ananian-Cooper
Cast, film
Taylor Burgess, David Eeles, and Abel de Vries
Extras: Members of Choir of the National Opera
Team
Michel van der Aa – Composer, director, libretto
Elena Schwarz – Musical director
Theun Mosk – Scenography & light
Judith de Zwart – costume design
Madelon Kooijman, Niels Nuijten – Dramaturges
Joost Rietdijk – Director of Photography
Stein van de Ven, Joey Heynens – 3D design
Arjen Oosterbaan – Production Manager
Nik Tenten– Technical director
Pieter Loman – Stage Mmanager
Annemiek van Elst – Assistant director
Pepijn van der Sanden – lighting operator
Jos Dijkstra – video operator
Tom Gelissen – Sounddesign
Tomas Valečka – Sound engineer
Fergus McAlpine – Play-out operator
Merijn Versnel – Set builder
Martijn van Nunen – stage technician
Nils Pauwels – LED producer
Giso Spijkerman – VFX
Bart Voorsluis – Grading
Aram Balian (doubleA foundation) – Managing Director
Jeffrey Wiering (doubleA foundation) – Creative Producer
