Ticket sales have started for Michel van der Aa’s new film opera “Theory of Flames.” The opera will premiere at Dutch National Opera on 6 March 2026. You can book your tickets here.
“Theory of Flames” 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: What happens when facts become a matter of belief rather than evidence? How do we maintain meaningful relationships with people whose reality radically differs from our own?
The opera features a stellar cast of performers: Mary Bevan, Helen Charlston, Roderick Williams, and Julia Bullock (on film). The Residentie Orkest performs under musical director Elena Schwarz, with the Dutch National Opera chorus featured in the film segments. The chorus master is Edward Ananian-Cooper. The creative team also includes set and lighting designer Theun Mosk and dramaturges Madelon Kooijman and Niels Nuijten.
“Theory of Flames” is a co-production of Dutch National Opera & Ballet, The Norwegian National Opera, the Bregenz Festival, and doubleA Foundation. With support of Ammodo, Fonds Podiumkunsten, Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst (AFK).
Read more about “Theory of Flames”