Factory International has unveiled a compelling autumn-winter programme at Manchester's Aviva Studios, headlined by a David Bowie 360-degree immersive experience and the world premiere of a dance adaptation of Russell T. Davies' award-winning series It's a Sin. The season also includes a sharply satirical black comedy from Palestinian theatre maker Ahmed Masoud and a powerful photographic exhibition exploring Black British identity.
David Bowie: You’re Not Alone
Lightroom returns with David Bowie: You’re Not Alone, a new 360-degree immersive experience that offers audiences insight into the creative mind and performances of one of the world’s most visionary artists. The experience features David Bowie as its sole voice, utilising the versatile Warehouse space at Aviva Studios.
Portrait of Black Britain
Artist photographer, speaker, activist and campaigner Cephas Williams presents Portrait of Black Britain, a powerful collection of portraits interrogating what it means to be a Black person living in the UK. Part of a project to build the largest collection of photographic portraits of Black British people ever created, the exhibition was originally commissioned for Manchester International Festival (MIF) 2021 and shown as a major public exhibition in Manchester’s Arndale Centre. It will run at Aviva Studios from October 1 as part of Black History Month.
Application 39
The irreverent and sharply satirical black comedy Application 39 from Palestinian theatre maker and writer Ahmed Masoud imagines Gaza as host of the 2048 Olympics, exactly 100 years after the Nakba. A surreal yet pressing journey through occupation, bureaucracy, absurdity and reconstruction, rooted in hope and drawing on real-life testimonies, the bold theatre work is produced by ETT, Matthew Schmolle Productions and Theatre Royal Stratford East. Performances take place on October 9 and 10.
It's a Sin Dance Adaptation
This programme joins the visceral new dance piece inspired by Channel 4’s award-winning series It’s a Sin, which went on sale earlier this month and makes its World Premiere at Aviva Studios. Presented by Rambert and Factory International, the era-defining story of love and survival is directed and choreographed by Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, with series creator Russell T. Davies, Pet Shop Boys and Gyn Fussell as Executive Producers. Performances run from February 16 to 27.
Artistic Director's Comments
John McGrath, artistic director and chief executive of Factory International, said: “This autumn's programme includes work by extraordinary artists exploring key issues of our time, as well as a joyous treat celebrating the world of David Bowie. Following our Spring season of premieres and our amazing summer show from Ai Weiwei, we are thrilled to celebrate Cephas Williams and Lightroom’s return to Manchester, as well as welcoming the resonant and surprising Palestinian play Application 39.”
McGrath added: “Every season at Factory International we have the privilege of hosting some of the UK’s most exciting musicians, artists and writers, and the rest of the programme for this year brings more great talent. From Interpol to Manchester Collective and the spectacular Black Creative Trailblazers, the programme at Aviva Studios will be full to the brim of celebration and stimulation. And not to be missed in October, we continue to highlight our homegrown artists with the 6th edition of Factory International's Artist Takeover, supporting the very best of Manchester talent.”
Tickets are on sale now with prices starting from £10 across all shows.
