The National Theatre & Ola Mafaalani

Phaedra in flames is a modern version of the classic love drama Phaedra. In the new adaptation by writer Nino Haratischwili (a.o. The Eighth Life) she asks: how can you, as a woman in a man's world, fight your own freedom? You'll see Tamar van den Dop as Phaedra and Yela de Koning as her lover Persea, with live music by the New European Ensemble.

The power of love

Phaedra, queen of Athens, lives trapped in an unhappy marriage with her husband Theseus. Everything changes when she meets her soon-to-be daughter-in-law Persea. This young woman shakes up everything and everyone around her, recklessly kicking against existing power structures. Phaedra becomes enchanted by Persea's fierce strength. A secret, passionate relationship ensues, with disastrous consequences.

Rauw, expressive and poetic

Director Ola Mafaalani made her name with raw, expressive and poetic performances such as Othello, Heaven above Berlin and Fellini. Until 2016, she directed the Noord Nederlands Toneel. Then she made her major performances mostly at the opera and abroad (including Berlin and Riga). Now, for the first time since the theater hit Borgen (2016), she is back in the large theater. Composer Krists Auznieks wrote new music, which will be performed live by four musicians from the New European Ensemble.

Director Ola Mafaalani:

"For me, Phaedra in flames is about the unstoppable power of love, which like weeds keeps blossoming among the rubble. Nino Haratischwili shows how we all - women and men - live in a world based on outdated structures. The old has not yet decayed, so the new cannot be born. Phaedra and Persea make an attempt to force that renewal, but conservative forces don't give them a chance. Their attempt is necessary, especially now. If we do not fight for loving intercourse there will be none!"

Visit the introduction

With this performance we offer an introduction. For € 5.00 you get an explanation and background information about the performance you are attending. Upon showing your ticket for the introduction you will also receive a free cup of coffee or tea.