Theory of Flames

Libretto by Michel van der Aa (E)

In this new film opera, Michel van der Aa 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: How do we maintain meaningful relationships with people whose reality radically differs from our own? What happens when facts become a matter of belief rather than evidence? Do we have the right to choose our own version of truth, even if it separates us from those we love? In this world premiere, film and stage design blend seamlessly, challenging audiences to reflect on what is real and what is not.

At the center of this work is Neola, a director creating a science fiction film about a research project that ended in a devastating laboratory fire. As she investigates further, her research leads her down unexpected paths where alternative explanations begin to reshape her perspective. Her growing obsession with these discoveries creates distance between her and those closest to her – partner Marianne and friend Josh – who struggle to understand her changing worldview.

“The opera explores how differing perceptions of truth can create profound barriers between people who care deeply for one another,” explains Van der Aa. “It asks us to consider what happens when our fundamental understanding of reality no longer aligns with those we love.”