InTheory of Flames, director Neola works on a science fiction film based on groundbreaking research that ended in disaster: a fire destroyed the laboratory. During her research, she stumbles upon shocking discoveries and becomes increasingly entangled in a web of alternative facts. For her partner Marianne and her boyfriend Josh, it becomes increasingly difficult to reach her. What do you do when someone you love - and thought you knew - slowly becomes a stranger to you?

In this world premiere, film and stage blend seamlessly, challenging you, even as a viewer, to consider what is real and what is not. Soprano Mary Bevan and mezzo-soprano Helen Charlston make their house debut in the roles of the Neola and her partner Marianne. Baritone Roderick Williams returns to The National Opera, this time in the role of cameraman Josh, and soprano Julia Bullock appears on the film footage. Conductor Elena Schwarz, who specializes in contemporary music, returns to Amsterdam for this world premiere, following her successful debut with Kaija Saariaho'sInnocencein 2023.

Photo: De Nationale Opera | Hugo Thomassen