Opera Forward Festival: Urgent, compelling and extravagant

With groundbreaking musical theater productions, special performances and in-depth programs, the Opera Forward Festival (OFF) seeks new sounds in the opera world. From classical singing to jazz, techno, spoken word and noise. The festival presents performances by artists from a variety of disciplines. Each will showcase possible future directions and influences for the art form of opera.

The Opera Forward Festival is the place to discover new and experimental opera. In addition to three brand-new productions in the main hall, an opera installation in Studio Boekman and inspiring student labs where young creators present idiosyncratic creations, the entire theater is buzzing with performances and other contextual programs that cast opera in a new light. Meet the opera makers of today and tomorrow and be surprised by the varied program OFF has to offer.

"Opera is not only an art form of the past, but a medium for the future. Immerse yourself in musical performances and presentations by established names as well as a new generation of creators."

This ninth edition of the festival looks back and forward: how did we get here and where can we go? In a time full of polarization, crisis and violence, we are looking for a way forward. The overarching question during the festival is therefore: What aim, what future, what peace?

Talks
Opera is a genre that can move, and can spark movement. Therefore, during the Opera Forward Festival, we will discuss stereotyping, the climate crisis, inclusion and the power and responsibility of both the genre and the institution. The TALKS will take place in the foyer.

Labs
The Opera Forward Festival challenges the creators of the future to make opera their own. Students from various art schools are inspired by the genre and by each other's ideas and craftsmanship. During the festival you will experience their research, and discoveries in a variety of forms: the LABS.