Resonances
Around 'Ali'
Opera – a timeless art form, but always rooted in the present. From this conviction, La Monnaie invites you to further explore the social issues at the heart of its opera productions in greater depth. This autumn, the central theme of migration in Ali resonates in a series of aftertalks, encounters and even a school performance.
Open aftertalks
After four performances, we warmly invite you to join us at the parterre for an open aftertalk with members of the cast and experts who will elaborate on the themes of this opera from their professional backgrounds. A unique opportunity to exchange thoughts about the performance, and ask your questions in a warm and open setting. The discussions will be moderated by Nicky Aerts and Delphine Clarinval (November 8th).
2 November
Join us for a conversation with Ndala Muteb, a dancer in the production, and Ilse Derluyn, professor of intercultural pedagogy at Ghent University, who heads the Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees (CESSMIR, UGent) and co-directs the Centre for Children in Vulnerable Situations (CCVS).
5 November
Minor-Ndako is an organisation specialising in the care and support of children and young people from all backgrounds, particularly the most vulnerable. Brecht Dierickx began his career there in 2017. He has helped unaccompanied young people living in the private rental market, with or without resident status. Since 2019, he has been supervising support workers in the field of ambulatory care at the Ghent department. Sandra Otten has been working for Minor-Ndako since 2012, where she started in a centre for unaccompanied minors. Since 2017, she has specialised in preparing and supporting children (under the age of 13) for foster care.
6 November
After the performance, we invite you to a discussion between Michiel Delanghe, conductor of the production, and Luc Le Bœuf, senior researcher in European and Belgian migration laws at the University of Liège, where his current research investigates international agreements between the EU and foreign countries to manage migration to Europe.
8 November
We welcome Lippeur, a dancer from the production, and Alain Nlandu, an ethnotherapist for the Solentra association, which offers therapy to children and families from immigrant backgrounds who often suffer from multiple psychological traumas related to war and migration.
INSIDE THE MUSIC
Event
27.10.2025 • 18:30 • Grand Foyer
Conductor Michiel Delanghe gives an accessible introductory talk on the music of Ali and how the combination of digital software, pre-recorded soundscapes and live music in contemporary opera composition offers limitless possibilities.
Info and tickets
Meet the authors
Taina Tervonen & Ubah Cristina Ali Farah
3.11.2025 • 20:00 • Grand Foyer
Passa Porta and La Monnaie join forces for a literary evening offering a unique dialogue between two renowned authors on the themes of migration and exile. The event will take place in our Grand Foyer, with a musical performance by the Chœur Cassandra Koor.
Info and tickets
Soup for thought
Event
4.11.25 • 12:15 • Muntpunt
How does the journey of people who flee their country unfold, and what does integration really mean in Belgium? Pascal Debruyne, Ciska Vandendriessche (Ali’s foster mother), and Hussein Rassim discuss the experiences of refugees in this country around a free bowl of vegetarian soup.
Info and free reservation
School performance
Ali
4.11.25 • 14:00 • Grand Hall
For this special school performance, La Monnaie will welcome more than 1,000 pupils to its Grand Hall, not only to introduce them to opera as an art form, but also to the complex subject of migration in a very direct and personal way.
Info
