Johannes Kalitzke’s opera Captain Nemo’s Library weaves themes of identity, childhood and fantasy into a powerful poetic narrative. Inspired by Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Per Olov Enquist’s novel, it explores the intertwined fates of two boys in a Swedish village, their imaginary refuge aboard the Nautilus and the trials of their friendship. With a mixture of singing, puppetry and the integration of musical motifs by Bach as well as impressive electronics, Kalitzke creates a world of sound that reflects the emotional depth of the story. A moving reflection on loneliness, hope and the redemptive power of the imagination.