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)

By Clare Varney, 08 March 2026

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

Reviewed at Dutch National Opera and Ballet, Amsterdam on 6 March 2026

van der Aa, Theory of Flames

Dutch National Opera

Elena Schwarz, Conductor

Michel van der Aa, Director

Theun Mosk, Set Designer, Lighting Designer

Judith de Zwart, Costume Designer

Residentie Orkest The Hague

Chorus of Dutch National Opera

Madelon Kooijman, Dramaturgy

Niels Nuijten, Dramaturgy

Mary Bevan, Neola

Roderick Williams, Josh

Helen Charlston, Marianne

Julia Bullock, Scientist

Edward Ananian-Cooper, Choirmaster / chorus director

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

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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Dutch National Ballet's opener in New York: meandering and unfocused

Ivy Lin, 20th November

Dutch National Ballet returning to New York after more than 40 years should have been thrilling. The opening program, whilst beautifully danced, was somewhat muted.

***11

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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