Manchester International Festival 2017: New Director McGrath Emphasizes Local Engagement and Fresh Start
The sixth Manchester International Festival, which runs until 16 July 2017, is under the direction of John McGrath, who prioritizes community involvement over renowned artists. Key attractions include Susan Hefuna's ToGather (2017), where untrained dancers from refugee backgrounds perform freely in Whitworth Park, promoting connections in Moss Side and Rusholme. At Mayfield Depot, Yael Bartana's What if Women Ruled the World? (2017), featuring an all-female cast and experts like Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, received criticism for its unclear structure. Additionally, Manchester Art Gallery presents True Faith, exploring Joy Division and New Order, while Graham Eatough and Stephen Sutcliffe adapt Anthony Burgess's novels in No End to Enderby (2015). The festival wraps up with Phil Collins's Ceremony (2017), which references Friedrich Engels. MIF is evolving into a £110 million venue called The Factory.
Key facts
- The sixth biennial Manchester International Festival runs until 16 July 2017.
- John McGrath is the new director, bringing experience from National Theatre Wales.
- Susan Hefuna's ToGather (2017) features free dance performances by untrained participants from refugee backgrounds in Whitworth Park.
- Yael Bartana's What if Women Ruled the World? (2017) includes experts like Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera and Birgitta Jónsdóttir at Mayfield Depot.
- True Faith at Manchester Art Gallery showcases Joy Division and New Order with works by Liam Gillick and Martin Boyce.
- Graham Eatough and Stephen Sutcliffe's No End to Enderby (2015) adapts Anthony Burgess's novels at the Whitworth.
- Samson Young's One of Two Stories, or Both (Field Bagatelles) (2017) is an installation and radio drama at the CFCCA.
- Phil Collins's Ceremony (2017) erects a Friedrich Engels statue at HOME, and MIF plans a £110 million Rem Koolhaas-designed venue called The Factory.
Entities
Artists
- John McGrath
- Susan Hefuna
- Yael Bartana
- Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera
- Birgitta Jónsdóttir
- Bara Gora
- Liam Gillick
- Martin Boyce
- Mark Leckey
- Graham Eatough
- Stephen Sutcliffe
- Anthony Burgess
- Samson Young
- Phil Collins
- Friedrich Engels
- Rem Koolhaas
- Marina Abramović
Institutions
- Manchester International Festival
- National Theatre Wales
- Whitworth gallery
- Manchester Art Gallery
- Liverpool Biennial
- The Turnpike
- CFCCA
- HOME
- The Factory
- Muslim Women's Council
- Old Granada Studios
Locations
- Manchester
- United Kingdom
- Whitworth Park
- Rusholme
- Moss Side
- Mayfield Depot
- Bradford
- Uganda
- Iceland
- Iran
- Pakistan
- Sierra Leone
- Leigh
- London