Risa, a self help opera  
The musical theatre show Rise explores the ‘manufacturability’ of happiness. Why is our happiness and our mental wellbeing in decline? Aren’t we living in one of the happiest countries of the world? Coaching, healing, spiritual retreats; happiness has turned into a billion dollar industry, and self help books are more popular than ever with their promises of a much better, improved life. Reading these books just like everyone else, Nienke realises how much of a luxury it really is. Is there such a thing as a step-by-step plan to achieve happiness? Which music could be a part of that? Nienke integrates classical voice, singing bowls, kalimba, and healing frequencies for the chakras to reach all the senses through the elements: water, fire, wind, earth, and space. This show was created thanks to the Keep an Eye Production Award 2023, through which Wonderfeel gives young creatives a platform and a boost. 

Nienke Nasserian Nillesen – text & voice 
Evelien van den Broek – composition 
Kenza Koutchoukali – direction