Factory International has unveiled its highly anticipated programme for 2025, which will feature an array of groundbreaking performances and collaborations.
Headlining this impressive lineup is a novel rendition of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, reimagined with Radiohead’s iconic album Hail to the Thief.
A New Era for Hamlet
This innovative adaptation of Hamlet, directed by Steven Hoggett and Christine Jones, promises to be a revolutionary theatre experience. Thom Yorke’s reworking of Radiohead’s Hail to the Thief will serve as the sonic backdrop to the age-old tale of vengeance and tragedy.
Thom Yorke expresses both excitement and apprehension about this ambitious project. ‘Adapting the original music of Hail to The Thief for live performance with the actors on stage to tell this story that is forever being told,’ said Yorke, highlighting the experimental nature of the project. ‘Using the music as a ‘presence’ in the room, watching how it collides with the action and the text.’
Christine Jones’ Vision
Christine Jones, co-director, draws a deep personal connection between the play and the album. The synergy between the themes of Hamlet and the songs from Hail to the Thief is palpable. As Jones recalls, ‘The first Radiohead concert I ever saw was the Hail to the Thief tour in 2003. It changed my DNA.’
Jones has long envisioned merging these two works. She recollects, ‘For years I’ve wanted to see the play and album collide in a piece of theatre. Eventually, I shared the idea with Thom, who was intrigued.’ This project marks a significant milestone in Jones’ career, and she is eager to build upon her previous collaborative works.
Marina Abramović’s Balkan Erotic Epic
World-renowned artist Marina Abramović will debut her large-scale performance work, Balkan Erotic Epic, which delves into the realms of eroticism, spirituality, and ritual.
Abramović reflects on her childhood experiences and their influence on her work. ‘I was born in the Balkan. As a child, I have been exposed to many spiritual rituals in the house of my grandmother,’ she explains. ‘By rediscovering this forgotten past, I would like to create a new understanding and context for the public today.’ Her piece aims to unveil the ancient myths and practices that have shaped the region’s cultural and spiritual landscapes.
The performance is expected to blend traditional and contemporary artistic expressions, offering audiences a profound exploration of human existence through the lens of Balkan folklore.
Nederlands Dans Theater and Complicité
The season will also premiere the final instalment of the acclaimed dance trilogy by Simon McBurney and Crystal Pite, in collaboration with Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) and Complicité. The piece, Figures in Exinction, promises to be a breathtaking culmination of the duo’s prior works.
The trilogy has received numerous accolades for its innovative approach to dance and theatre, blending physicality with deep emotional narratives.
Audiences can expect a powerful and moving performance that pushes the boundaries of contemporary dance.
Manchester International Festival’s New Era
Next year will witness the return of the Manchester International Festival (MIF), curated for the first time by new Creative Director Low Kee Hong. Full programme details are set to be revealed in March, but the anticipation is already building.
John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International, is enthusiastic about the forthcoming events. ‘Each of these projects features the kind of inventive and ambitious ideas and collaborations that Factory International was built for,’ states McGrath. ‘We’re truly excited to be working with such a fantastic array of partners on these projects.’
Factory International’s First Year
As Factory International concludes its inaugural year in its state-of-the-art building, the organisation reflects on its achievements and looks forward to the future.
John McGrath highlights the significance of Factory International’s mission. ‘Our vision is to be a space where artists can imagine new possibilities,’ he notes, emphasizing the venue’s commitment to fostering innovative artistic projects.
The upcoming 2025 programme exemplifies the creative potential that Factory International aims to unlock, setting a high bar for future seasons.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 programme at Factory International promises a series of performances that are both bold and intellectually stimulating.
These curated events aim to challenge and inspire audiences, continuing Factory International’s legacy of pioneering the arts.
Factory International’s 2025 programme offers a visionary selection of performances that are set to captivate audiences.
With groundbreaking projects from renowned artists, the venue continues to push the boundaries of theatre and performance art.