The centerpiece of this special edition is the opera Like Flesh by Sivan Eldar (libretto: Cordelia Lynn). The work explores the ecological and emotional consequences of life in densely built cities—and how nature might guide us toward more sustainable, liveable urban spaces.
 
At the heart of the opera is a woman who slowly transforms into a tree. As her body and rhythms align with the natural world, she becomes increasingly estranged from the human pace of life—eventually losing the ability to communicate with others.

The leading roles are sung by Maria Riccarda Wesseling, William Dazeley, and Juliette Allen, joined by the choir Voces Suaves. The production is directed and designed by Dominique Pitoiset and Luca Scarzella, whose bold staging features a real tree trunk supplied by the Basel City Gardening.
 
Developed in close collaboration with biologists, botanists, urban ecologists, and institutions such as ETH Zurich, the University of Basel, NCCR Microbiomes, and IRCAM Centre Pompidou, the opera includes short scientific intermezzi. These offer insight into urban development, forest ecosystems, microbiomes, and how biodiversity and biophilic architecture can shape resilient cities.

The production is conducted by Georg Köhler.
 
Following the premiere, a public aperitif (included in the ticket) invites audience members to meet with scientists and experts—from Pro Natura, BirdLife, ETH Zurich, the University of Basel, and the circular economy—for informal exchange.

The premiere will be opened with a welcome address by government councillor Esther Keller.