The doubleA foundation develops innovative music theater
in the form of international co-productions
which stretch the art form's boundaries.

In this new film opera, Theory of Flames, 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?

Theory of Flames is a commission and co-production of Dutch National Opera, The Norwegian National Opera, the Bregenz Festival, and the doubleA Foundation.

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Explore the boundaries of reality and identity in From Dust, a groundbreaking Virtual Reality opera installation composed and directed by Michel van der Aa, performed by the enchanting vocal ensemble Sjaella, and produced by doubleA.

In From Dust, the main character leads you through a dreamy universe of impossible spaces and optical illusions. You feel seen as the hologram makes eye contact, responds to your movements, and anticipates your touch. You help shape the story, making it a tailored experience, cinematic and interactive.

With From Dust, doubleA again produced a genre-crossing work, in collaboration with international presenters and co-producers. From Dust transcends the boundaries of traditional opera and takes you to the forefront of immersive storytelling and personalized art.

From Dust was awarded Best Immersive Work at the Cannes International Film Festival in 2025.

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A chamber music theater work for actor, string quartet, and film based upon the novella Man in the Holocene by Max Frisch. The work was premiered at the Venice Biennale 2022, and further performances were planned throughout season 2022/23 and 2023/24. The performances featured actors Samuel West and Timothy West (film).

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The 2021/22 season saw the world premiere of Michel's new film opera Upload. What if our minds could live forever? It sounds like science fiction, but in the not-all-too-distant future, it will be possible to transfer our memories, thoughts and experiences to an artificial brain. A utopia for some; it means we can exist forever and that our loved ones would never have to miss us. But what are the consequences for our humanity, our identity and for our relationships? Upload explores these ancient philosophical questions against the backdrop of present-day and near-future technologies.

Commissioned by Dutch National Opera, Park Avenue Armory, Oper Köln, Bregenzer Festspiele and Ensemble MusikFabrik and features live performances by Julia Bullock and Roderick Williams.

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What would it take to really connect to a 3D hologram in a virtual space? Would you feel seen if the hologram makes eye contact, reacts to your movements, anticipates your touch?

The doubleA foundation created new artistic and technical tools for interacting with an audience in a virtual space. We researched and designed these interactions from a creator's point of view; with artist-driven ideas, and streamlined for the performing arts. We collaborated with national and international partners, and a team of top-notch freelancers: director, developers, dramaturg, producers, musicians, actor, marketing manager, web designer, and director of photography.

Touched by a hologram was supported by InnovatieLabs. We've created an online resource with our findings: touchedbyhologram.net

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A virtual reality installation featuring singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke and the Nederlands Kamerkoor. In collaboration with designer Theun Mosk and virtual reality company The Virtual Dutch Men, van der Aa has created a unique groundbreaking fusion of musical theater, VR and visual art.

Eight was commissioned by the Holland Festival, Festival International d'Art Lyrique d'Aix-en-Provence, Château La Coste, Beijing Music Festival, KunstFestSpiele Herrenhausen, and Helsinki Festival.

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