O. Festival celebrates 21st edition with mix of avant-garde and accessibility

The internationally renowned O. Festival for Opera. Music. Theatre. descends on Rotterdam again. What once began as Operadagen Rotterdam has grown over two decades into a leading example of opera innovation. Performances will be held from 22 to 31 May all over the city. From classical to contemporary, from intimate works-in-progress to spectacular world premieres, created by young talent and established names from home and abroad. The sale of passe-partouts has now started via this link.

The festival kicks off on 22 May with the much-discussed Dutch premiere of 'REMACHINE' by top director Jefta van Dinther. Together with composer Anna von Hausswolff, he creates a hypnotic world where man and machine collide and merge into a physical and vocal trip. This performance takes a new step in breaking away from the traditional opera setting.

Theatre Rotterdam is hosting two powerful performances. The internationally phenomenal 'Mystica' by director Kasper Vandenberghe combines circus with the age-old technique 'hairhanging' and musical theatre into an impressive ritual. Also on the programme is the world premiere of 'SEXODUS' by theatre-maker Naomi Velissariou. Directed by Nicole Beutler, a bloody and physical performance about womanhood, beauty ideals and resistance unfolds, featuring the energetic sound design of URLAND.

Growing international recognition

Artistic director Guy Coolen explains: "Besides the springboard function for young talent, we are proud of the growing international recognition. Festivals in cities like New York, Berlin and Vienna are following our approach of combining classical with contemporary. And it is a great compliment that we are named as a favourite festival by critics in the annual lists of the Theatererkrant."