30
October
2023
|
13:04
Europe/London
Factory International celebrates opening of new home, Aviva Studios, with an electrifying performance of Danny Boyle’s 'Free Your Mind'
The opening of Aviva Studios was celebrated with a spectacular inaugural performance of Danny Boyle’s 'Free Your Mind’, a modern-day adaptation of the 1999 film ‘The Matrix’.
Free Your Mind-Rehearsals-14-09-23-Sackville Street Building-4924-credit Tristram Kenton
Rehearsals showing Free Your Mind by Factory International @ Sackville Street Building. Directed by Danny Boyle. Choreography by Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy and Score from composer Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante (co-founders of Boy Blue). Designer Es Devlin. Words by Sabrina Mahfouz and Costumes by Gareth Pugh. Lighting by Lucy Carter. (Taken 14-09-2023) ©Tristram Kenton 09-23 (3 Raveley Street, LONDON NW5 2HX TEL 0207 267 5550 Mob 07973 617 355) email: tristram@tristramkenton.com
On Wednesday, 18 October 2023, Factory International’s new home Aviva Studios opened its doors, an incredibly exciting addition to Manchester's vibrant arts scene. The opening was celebrated with a spectacular inaugural performance of Danny Boyle’s 'Free Your Mind’, a modern-day adaptation of the 1999 film ‘The Matrix’.
Aviva Studios, nestled within the heart of Manchester, is set to be a beacon of creativity and innovation for aspiring artists and performers. The University of Manchester is proud to be a Senior Supporter of Factory International, producers of the Manchester International Festival, who have found a new home in the highly anticipated, multi-purpose arts venue.
'Free Your Mind' is directed by Danny Boyle, renowned for the cult film ‘Trainspotting’ as well as the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics. The play pushes the boundaries of performance art, combining theatre, dance, music, and technology, with a nod to Mancunian computer scientist Alan Turing.
The University of Manchester provided a dedicated rehearsal space within the Sackville Street building for the ‘Free Your Mind’ ensemble to practise and develop the show. Through the longstanding partnership, spanning over a decade, University of Manchester students have the opportunity to engage in placements, internships, and group research projects with Factory International, and much more.
'Free Your Mind' is a taste of the opportunities Factory International’s programming can bring to a modern and ambitious venue such as Aviva Studios.
'Free Your Mind' will be running at Aviva Studios until Sunday, 5 November 2023, so be sure to book your tickets before they’re gone via Factory International’s website.