MAXINE’S GOING UNDERGROUND
ACTRESS TO MAKE HER RETURN IN NEW THEATRE SHOW
MANCHESTER International Festival has announced its full programme for this year, bringing some of the world’s leading artists to the city this summer.
Cult US film-maker David Lynch is among the artists bringing work to this year’s event, joining previously announced names including Yoko Ono, Idris Elba, Skepta and Janelle Monae.
Festival regular Maxine Peake will also make her return, conjuring up visionary artist Nico, of the Velvet Underground, in a theatrical show co-created with departing Royal Exchange Theatre artistic director Sarah Frankcom.
They’re just some of the highlights of a programme packed with music, dance, theatre, exhibitions and multidisciplinary arts events, running from July 4 to 21.
The heart of the festival will once again be found in Albert Square, where some of the city’s best street food traders will be assembled alongside a series of supper clubs from Michelin-starred chefs and a line-up of live music, cabaret and DJs.
Take a look at these festival highlights.
■ PUBLIC ART Yoko Ono, Bells for Peace
Raising the curtain for this year’s festival, internationally-renowned artist and peace activist Yoko Ono invites the people of Manchester to gather in Cathedral Gardens and send a message of peace to the world.
The assembly will feature a people’s orchestra of bells from around the world and a choir of diverse voices, which will ring and sing out for peace together.
This new commission is the first major work Ono has created for the city of Manchester. Details of how to get involved will be revealed soon on MIF’s website.
Where: Cathedral Gardens
When: July 4, 6pm
Tickets: None required, just turn up on the day
■ THEATRE Tree, by Idris Elba and Kwame KweiArmah
Inspired by Luther star Idris Elba’s experience of playing Nelson Mandela in 2013 biopic Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and featuring music from his 2014 album Mi Mandela, this world premiere follows one man’s journey into the heart and soul of contemporary South Africa.
Directed by Young Vic artistic director Kwame Kwei-Armah, the show blends drama, music and dance and puts the audience at the centre of the action.
Exploring themes of identity, family and belonging, the narrative follows Kaleo (Alfred Enoch), a young Londoner forced by a family tragedy to visit his parents’ homeland for the first time. On his journey to healing he must confront hidden histories and right the wrongs of the past – but first he must face the present: a shattered family, fighting to hold on to what they believe is theirs, in a nation haunted by the ghosts of its own turbulent past.
Where: Upper Campfield Market Hall
When: July 4 to 13 (previews June 29 to July 3)
Tickets: £35 (£30 previews/ concessions, £10 for Greater Manchester residents on a lower wage) from mif.co.uk/shows/tree
■ MUSIC Janelle Monae
Musician, producer, Hollywood star, LGBTQIA+ icon – Janelle Monae is all those things and so much more.
The Grammy-nominated artist will perform a huge open-air show at Castlefield Bowl on the opening night of the festival, both kicking off MIF and warming up the waterfront venue for the Sounds of the City summer gig series.
Monae’s latest album Dirty Computer, an empowering expression of sexual freedom and black female identity, was a critical and commercial smash, hitting the top ten on both sides of the Atlantic and garnering widespread acclaim.
The subsequent tour, which called at Manchester Academy last September, cemented her reputation as a singular and spectacular live performer.
Where: Castlefield Bowl
When: July 4, 7pm (doors open at 6pm)
Tickets: £35 (£30 concessions and £10 for Greater Manchester residents on a lower wage) from mif.co.uk/shows/janelle-monae or See Tickets
■ THEATRE The Nico Project
The world premiere of a new show celebrating rock icon Nico is coming to MIF19. The show will explore the life and music of one of pop culture’s most enigmatic features, from her 1967 debut with The Velvet Underground to her premature death just two decades later.
Much-loved Bolton-born actress, Maxine Peake has co-created the show with director Sarah Frankcom. The text has been written by award-winning
playwright EV Crowe with music by acclaimed composer Anna Clyne.
The Nico Project is inspired by her 1968 album The Marble Index. Largely overlooked on its original release, the album is now regarded as one of the masterpieces of 1960s counter-culture. The production aims to bring us closer to the ghosts that haunted Nico and the devastating past that shaped her.
Where: The Stoller Hall When:
July 12 to 21, 7.30pm
Tickets: £35 (£30 for concessions, or £10 for Greater Manchester residents on a lower wage) from mif.co.uk
■ ARTIST RESIDENCY David Lynch at HOME
The brilliant David Lynch – American filmmaker, painter, musician, actor, and photographer – will take over HOME for the bulk of this year’s festival, giving festival-goers a chance to explore the mind of one of contemporary culture’s most radical figures.
Best known for directing Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks, his work will take over the gallery, theatre and cinema with a selection of art, film, music and conversations.
My Head Is Disconnected will be the first major exhibition of Lynch’s paintings, drawings and sculpture; his classic movies and rare short films will be screened in the cinema; and a series of live shows from Lynch-inspired musicians, presented by Chrysta Bell, will take over the theatre across 16 days.
A series of workshops and discussions will be announced nearer the time.
Where: HOME
When: July 6 to 21
Tickets: Admission for art gallery free; full theatre and cinema programme to be confirmed
■ MUSIC Skepta - DYSTOPIA987
Grime artist Skepta will perform at the festival as part of an immersive clubbing experience at an as-yet undisclosed location.
Featuring a live set, guest appearances from hand-picked performers and DJs, and a wealth of new technology, the rapper hopes to conjure up his vision for the future of raving as part of the commission.
Where: A secret location
When: July 17 to 19, 7pm
Tickets: £35 (£30 for concessions, £10 for Greater Manchester residents on a lower wage) from mif.co.uk