Kenza Koutchoukali is a stage director from the Netherlands creating new opera and contemporary music theatre. In her work she aims to smoke boundaries between cultures and disciplines. She has played a key role in developing new creations at institutions such as the Dutch National Opera and the Vienna State Opera. Her most recent work OUM – A son’s quest for his mother with composer Bushra El-Turk based on the text of Wajdi Mouawad, was described as a groundbreaking piece of music theatre and received international acclaim after Amsterdam and London premieres. Kenza is currently a nominated ‘Rising Star’ for the International Opera Awards 2025.