A Radcliffe-born filmmaker’s Matrix-inspired production will have its premiere at a newly opening arts venue today, Wednesday.
Danny Boyle’s large scale immersive performance, Free Your Mind based on the classic sci-fi flick will premiere at Aviva Studios, the permanent home of Factory International.
The Trainspotting-director collaborated with artists Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy, Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante, Sabrina Mahfouz and Es Devlin who began her career at Bolton’s The Octagon.
Bringing together a world-leading creative team and 50 professional dancers, this dramatic reimagining of the classic 1999 film has been designed especially for Aviva Studios and takes place throughout the building’s ultra-flexible spaces.
The new arts venue will also host an upcoming production from Westhoughton’s Maxine Peake, a feminist reimagining of John Bowen’s Robin Redbreast widely regarded as a precursor to The Wicker Man.
Following Free Your Mind, Aviva Studios will host The Welcome a nine-day programme of music, circus, art and fashion developed by Greater Manchester residents – an invitation from local people to celebrate the new cultural space.
Johnny Marr presents two nights of music with an orchestra made up of northern musicians (7-8 Dec), and a stage adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ award-winning book Lost and Found (13 Dec 23 – 6 Jan 24) from BAFTA award-winning director Will Brenton with music from Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals will close out the year.
John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International, said: “I’m so excited and proud to be welcoming audiences to the official opening of our magnificent new home.
“At every stage in imagining and building this extraordinary space, we have focused on creating new possibilities – for artists to let their imaginations fly, for citizens of Manchester and the world to meet and dream, and for people of all ages and backgrounds to build skills and gain experience.
“Our official opening production, the Matrix-inspired Free Your Mind has been created especially for this moment by an incredible team, alongside an extraordinary mix of dancers, creatives and local participants, and is uniquely designed to showcase the versatility and ambition of the space. We can’t wait to welcome you all to experience it!”
Designed by Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), Aviva Studios is a global destination for arts, music and culture located at the heart of the new St John’s neighbourhood in Manchester, a burgeoning city centre hub for creativity and digital innovation.
The development is led by Manchester City Council, with backing of £99.05m from HM Government and £7m National Lottery funding from Arts Council England.
It is supported by Aviva, the UK's leading Insurance, Wealth and Retirement business, as principal partner to the venue.
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