Michel van der Aa’s Theory of Flames: defining opera for a modern age

Mary Bevan (Neola) and Julia Bullock (Scientist)

Roderick Williams (Josh)

Helen Charlston (Marianne) and Mary Bevan (Neola)

Roderick Williams (Josh) and Mary Bevan (Neola)

Par Clare Varney, 08 mars 2026

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“manipulating words to create layers of symbolism both figuratively and literally”

Critique faite à Dutch National Opera and Ballet, Amsterdam, le 6 mars 2026

van der Aa, Theory of Flames

Dutch National Opera

Elena Schwarz, Direction

Michel van der Aa, Mise en scène

Theun Mosk, Décors, Lumières

Judith de Zwart, Costumes

Residentie Orkest The Hague

Chœur du Dutch National Opera

Madelon Kooijman, Dramaturgie

Niels Nuijten, Dramaturgie

Mary Bevan, Neola

Roderick Williams, Josh

Helen Charlston, Marianne

Julia Bullock, Scientist

Edward Ananian-Cooper, Chef de chœur

Weinberg’s The Passenger at Dutch National Opera

Clare Varney, 17th April

Tobias Kratzer's 2024 Munich production makes its way to Amsterdam, proving that Weinberg's opera has the power to transfix.

****1

Dutch National Ballet's reimagined La Bayadère triumphs

Mark Vicente, 26th March

Dutch National Ballet's new production of La Bayadère does away with the ballet’s problematic gestures and movements, allowing the choreography to truly shine.

****1

Dutch National Ballet brings much needed heat to this winter season

Mark Vicente, 10th February

The Dutch National Ballet helped shake off those winter blues with a mixed programme that highlighted ballet’s love affair with Latin rhythms and movement.

****1

Malin Byström brilliert bei Isolde-Debüt in Amsterdam

Phillip Richter, 8th February

Die schwedische Sopranistin gibt ihr spannungsumwobenes Debüt als Isolde in Pierre Audis zeitloser Inszenierung.

*****

Semele at Dutch National Opera: myth, desire and fantasy

Mengguang Huang, 23rd January

Guth’s Semele turns myth into a contemporary domestic drama, where desire becomes obsession and illusion consumes reality. Handel’s music remains the true engine, driven by a thrilling, physically intense ensemble.

****1

Dutch National Ballet's Program B is the A+ Program in New York

Ivy Lin, 21st November

Dutch National Ballet's second mixed bill at New York City Center ticked all the right boxes, showcasing the depth of talent across the whole company.

*****

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Clare Varney

Clare is a freelance writer and music critic from the UK, currently living in the Netherlands where she writes about Music, Food and Culture. Clare is a passionate musician, having learnt the violin and piano from an early age. When not at her laptop writing, she spends her time nurturing the next generation of brass players, all from her Dutch kitchen in the sky. Read more at The Spidy Editor.

Defining opera for a modern age: Michel van der Aa’s Theory of Flames in Amsterdam