What happens when music and film come together in an opera? And what does it mean when different realities coexist and seem to grow further and further apart? In this interview, composer Michel van der Aa talks about his new opera Theory of Flames, written for Dutch National Opera with the Residentie Orkest the orchestra pit. He discusses his fascination with disinformation and how it can alienate people, even those who are most dear to us. Gain insight into his creative process and discover how he interweaves image and music, maintains balance, and consciously creates space for reflection. He also explains what this layered opera demands of our musicians.