See the stunning Mata Hari - an extraordinary ballet about a mysterious diva: a spy, dancer and one of the most iconic women in Dutch history!

Mata Hari at the Dutch National Ballet

The turbulent life of the mysterious Mata Hari is at the heart of a new large-scale production by the Dutch National Ballet, taking shape in wild and sultry dance routines.

Are you already dying to see this legendary performance? Buy your tickets now!

The real Mata Hari

Margaretha Geertruida Zelle, as the Frisian Mata Hari was really called, led a tumultuous and fascinating life. As the exotic, mysterious Mata Hari, she became one of the most famous dancers of her day. She travelled throughout Europe and had highly placed lovers everywhere, which made her the ideal spy during World War I. She was accused - rightly or wrongly - of being a double agent, and she died in front of a French firing squad in 1917.

Reinventing Mata Hari

In the ballet, artistic director Ted Brandsen wants to focus mainly on Mata Hari’s talent for constantly "reinventing" herself.

Mata Hari was a passionate woman whose real life was too restrictive, which is why she was continually creating new guises and new images of herself.

Music, set and costumes

Tarik O’Regan, one of today’s leading British composers, wrote new music especially for this ballet performance. He will be accompanied by the Dutch Ballet Orchestra.

The sets is designed by the highly acclaimed designer duo Clement & Sanôu, and Francois-Noël Cherpin designed the costumes.

Endless source of inspiration

The mysteries that fill her life story and her dramatic, controversial death have made Mata Hari a welcome subject for the theatre, art, literature and film industry.

By creating this stunning performance, the Dutch National Opera & Ballet is adding a page to Mata Hari’s history in the creative arts.

About the Dutch National Ballet

The Dutch National Ballet develops, produces and presents ballet at the highest international level. It aims to reach a wide public and bring today’s audiences into contact with the beauty and passion of this dance style.

Over the past 50 years, the Dutch National Ballet has evolved into one of the world's foremost ballet companies. With a unique repertoire, a tradition of innovation and around 80 dancers from all over the world, the company plays a leading role in Dutch cultural life and beyond.