The Matter - Louis Andriessen / Phia Ménard

Must-see contemporary monument Louis Andriessen, probably the most important Dutch composer of the past centuries, completed his magnum opus De Materie in 1988. Some reviewers called it 'a philosophical opera', others 'a theatrical ultra-symphony'. What they agree on is that De Materie is an absolutely contemporary monument. Echoes of Igor Stravinsky, Johann Sebastian Bach and Steve Reich resound in spine-tingling percussion, catchy boogie-woogie fugues and enchanting minimalism. The text transports us to the early modern period – an era of shipbuilding and revolt against the Spanish – to the 13th century for a stunningly beautiful vision of Hadewijch and to the 20th century of Mondriaan and Marie Curie. In each of the four parts, the material transforms through interaction with the human spirit. Internationally acclaimed director Phia Ménard and choreographers Antonio De Rosa and Mattia Russo (KOR'SIA) continue this thread into a total experience in which set design, dance and music are in constant motion.