Factory International Archives

Marina Abramović: Balkan Erotic Epic – Aviva Studios

15Oct

By Mark DavorenNo Comments

North West

Marina Abramović: Balkan Erotic Epic – Aviva Studios

Artist and director Marina Abramović presents her most ambitious work yet with this stunning four-hour immersive experience that draws upon her Slavic roots and culture to explore the eroticism, spirituality and traditions of her homeland. A brass band leads us up into the hall where we witness a funeral lament for Josip Broz Tito, former Communist leader of Yugoslavia, before a further twelve visceral scenes are revealed around us, with audiences free to choose their own path. Photo: Marco Anell Magic Potions questions what is myth and what is history whilst Fucking the Ground/Fertility Rites and Scaring the Gods to Stop the Rain both explore ancient ritual performances designed to pre-empt crop failure. Ancestor’s Dance presents a typical winter scene where performers in trad...

3Jul

By Peter RuddickNo Comments

North West

A Single Man – Aviva Studios

Christopher Isherwood’s 1964 study of grief, A Single Man, is a recognition of the complexities of our inner thoughts at a time of crisis. When fashion designer Tom Ford adapted the book for his 2009 movie of the same name, he chose to round off some of lead character George’s rougher edges. Ford also concluded the story more decisively. In this contemporary ballet, Jonathan Watkins appears to have returned to the original source material, in terms of George's complicated nature. Watkins has, however, been both more definitive and more hopeful about George's future. With mixed results. A Single Man is at times heartbreakingly emotional and tearjerkingly beautiful. But it is also, on occasion, slightly impenetrable. That being said, this Factory International a...

14Dec

By Max EdenNo Comments

North West

Lost and Found – Factory International

Nestled in the heart of the city, a brand new arts venue stands proud as a testament to Manchester’s rich cultural legacy; Factory International is the new kid on the block, a cutting-edge venue that is establishing itself as a hub for artistic expression and entertainment. With a wide variety of productions and shows booked, staging everything from live rock concerts to immersive family productions, it’s a venue for everyone! I’m here for the latter, seeing the beautifully whimsical ‘Lost and Found’ - an adaptation of Oliver Jeffers' tale, which is an absolute triumph in immersive storytelling and tells such a heartwarming tale which introduces little ones to live theatre in just the right way, under the skilful direction of Will Brenton, a loveable cast and very clever traditional tri...

Factory International to premiere stage adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ award-winning children’s book, Lost and Found

23May

By NewsdeskNo Comments

NEWS

Factory International to premiere stage adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ award-winning children’s book, Lost and Found

Children and families are invited to experience the world premiere stage adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ award-winning children’s book, Lost and Found (Nestlé Smarties Book Prize 2005, Blue Peter Book Award 2006) as part of Factory International’s opening season at their flagship new venue in Manchester. Adapted and directed by BAFTA award-winning director Will Brenton (CBeebies, Coronation Street), the show will premiere on Friday 15th December this year and run until Saturday 6th January 2024. Lost and Found is a heart-warming, magical story of friendship and loneliness, following the journey of a little boy who one day finds a penguin on his doorstep. The official adaptation of the much-loved story will take to the stage for the very first time in Manchester. The show is produced...