Contact I What's On I Autumn/Winter 2014 by Contact

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On | Autumn / Winter 2014

contactmcr.com | 0161 274 0600 |

@contactmcr |

/contactmcr

Thank you Thanks to our Funders, Sponsors and Supporters, and all who have made donations to Contact online and in person. Core Funders:

Project Funders:

Inner Wheel

The Wakeham Trust

Touring Partners:

Project Partners:

Awards:

Creative Experts Clients: BBC, Burnage Media Arts College, The Co-operative Group, Edinburgh University, Creative Cases, Crowe Clark Whitehill, Electricity North West, Gateleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Solicitors, Hays Recruitment, Heineken, Insider Media Ltd, Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Go Global, North West Business Leadership Team, Living Well Trust, Manchester Metrics, Manchester City Council, NDCS, NHS, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, South Manchester Enterprise Network, Tyneside Cinema, Shakespeare Schools.

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600

Welcome

Contact is an award-winning theatre and arts venue on Manchester’s vibrant Oxford Road Corridor, with young people at the heart of everything we do. We present professional theatre, dance, spoken word, music, cabaret, live art and comedy.

Afrovibes Festival brings theatre, music and dance from South Africa in a political and celebratory response to postApartheid. And Krip-Hop Nation showcase disabled MCs, rappers and DJs from across the globe. Matt Fenton © Jonathan Bean

Autumn/Winter 2014 at Contact. Major names, radical international work and a host of up and coming companies make for a packed Autumn season. Highlights include Mark Bruce Company’s dance-theatre performance, Dracula, Tamasha’s cross-cultural news story, and Action Hero’s adrenaline-fueled take on sport. Scottee, Paul Sinha and Kate Tempest make welcome returns, and with The Lowry we present imitating the dog’s A Farewell to Arms.

Contact commission No Guts, No Heart, No Glory, made with young female Muslim boxers, takes place in a local boxing gym; and Manchester artists Chanje Kunda and Debs Gatenby present very different takes on female identity. What makes this season extraordinary are the young people involved in some of the shows: the Muslim boxers in No Guts, our own Contact Young Actors Company, the brilliant spoken word group Young Identity, and 11-year-old Taylor performing with her aunty, Bryony Kimmings. The result is an exciting, diverse and contemporary programme with something for everyone — whatever your age. Matt Fenton, Artistic Director/Chief Executive

Did you know? • Contact

is a creative space for young people aged 13 to 30, providing workshops and opportunities, mostly for Free (see pages 26 to 27).

• Young

people work alongside our staff on programming, marketing and technical support, and deliver projects in business and community settings.

• Contact

is a charity dependent on our valued Funders, Trusts and Foundations, and the generosity of individual donors. To find out more about how you can support our work, please contact: lucygreen@contactmcr.com I 0161 274 0657.

Contact Produces Quarantine Summer. © Gavin Parry

Louise Orwin

Contact Produces In 2014 Contact re-launched our theatre production, commissioning and co-producing activity, working with extraordinary artists to create contemporary, often political new work to be seen at Contact, then nationally and internationally. Working alongside partners including National Theatre of Scotland, LIFT, Duckie, MC Amsterdam, Southbank Centre, The Junction and Fuel, the resulting shows have started to populate our public programmes.

Summer., Quarantine’s remarkable inter-generational show (‘A delicate and searching show about what it means to be human.’ ★★★★ The Guardian) enjoyed a sell-out run in June. It’s the first in a major Contact-supported quartet of new works from the company. Next up, the brilliant Common Wealth are working with a group of young female Muslim Boxers in No Guts, No Heart, No Glory, presented in a gym in Moss Side (see page 14). We are currently working with National Theatre of Scotland to support two outstanding artists, Yusra Warsama and Cora Bissett, on a year-long collaborative research process. And with Fuel and

Southbank Centre, we are supporting the development of Inua Ellams’ The Spalding Suite, directed by Benji Reid, responding to UK basketball culture. Greg Wohead, whose Contact/MC Amsterdam Flying Solo commission, The Ted Bundy Project, unnerved audiences at Flying Solo Festival 2014, tours to Latitude, Ovalhouse and Forest Fringe. Meanwhile new Contact Flying Solo commissioned artist Louise Orwin begins work on her new show. Bryony Kimmings’ Contact/Junction commission Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model continues to tour extensively to rave reviews (‘cool, funny, heartwarming and infectiously optimistic’ ★★★★ The Guardian). Sophie Willan takes her fantastic Contact/ National Rural Touring Forum show, The Novice Detective, to Edinburgh and beyond; and we have commissioned Manchester artist Jackie Hagan to create and tour a new piece to rural locations nationwide. Also receiving support and development in 2014-15 are artists Keisha Thompson, Eggs Collective and Cheryl Martin, all of whom will present the results in the coming year.

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600

Future Fires

Future Fires 2014

The Agency

Future Fires is a tailored training and mentoring programme for emerging artists interested in developing leadership skills and creating socially engaged community projects.

The Agency aims to empower young people to effect positive change in their own communities through a project model originally developed in Brazil. Through The Agency young people develop their ideas into projects to change where they live for the better, with support from successful people with relevant expertise and their community.

Throughout 2014 we are supporting twelve Future Fires participants to deliver projects which include the creation of a radio play by unemployed young people, a photography exhibition created with people experiencing homelessness and a slam poetry project for young women. We will be celebrating the achievements of this year’s Future Fires participants in a graduation event at Contact in December, and using the coming year to develop the partnerships to take the project to new locations nationally. For more information please contact: victoriabrown@contactmcr.com I 0161 274 0616.

'Future Fires opened my eyes to the things I could do and proved that I could do much more than I thought. Future Fires helped me become a young leader.'

Following a successful pilot year, we will be returning to Moston and Harpurhey, Manchester and Battersea and Clapham Junction, London to deliver the second year of the project. From January 2015, we will start developing the project to work in under-served communities nationally.

'The Agency will help more young people become active, learning and working together positively, it will improve your life.' Osmond, Agency participant 2013/14 I contactmcr.com/theagency | #theagency Contact and Battersea Arts Centre, in collaboration with People’s Palace Projects, are supported by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation to deliver this ground-breaking and ambitious national project.

Simone Rhoden

I contactmcr.com/futurefires I #futurefires Supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

October / Black History Month Fri 3 and Sat 4 Oct, 7:30pm. £9/5. Over 16s.

Chanje Kunda: Amsterdam Directed by Juliet Ellis. Choreography by Darren Pritchard. Music by Jason Singh. Sound Design by Dan Steele.

Fusing spoken word, physicality and music, Amsterdam is a high-powered, supermodern 21st century play of love and lust. Seduced by the attractions of the city and a charming Surinamese man she met on holiday, Chanje embarks on a voyage into the unknown. What will be her fate? Presented by Afrique Performs. Supported by Arts Council England and Contact.

| chanjekunda.com | #amsterdamgoodshow

BSL

performance Fri 10 Oct, 7pm

Wed 8 Oct, 7pm; Thu 9 Oct, 5:30pm; Fri 10 and Sat 11 Oct, 7pm. £9/5. Over 14s. Post-show talk on Wed 8 and Thu 9 Oct.

Tamasha: My Name is... By Sudha Bhuchar. Directed by Philip Osment. Sound Design by Arun Ghosh.

When Gaby disappeared from her home in Scotland, it was widely reported that her Pakistani father, Farhan, had kidnapped her. The press were only momentarily silenced when it emerged that she had fled of her own accord. This captivating new verbatim play uncovers a cross-cultural love story that began in early 80s Glasgow, long before the ‘tug of love’ tale that hit headlines in 2006.

'A drama of terrific integrity, power and sadness.' ★★★★ The Scotsman | tamasha.org.uk/my-name-is | #mynameis © Helen Maybanks

Tamasha is funded by Arts Council England and gratefully acknowledges financial support from The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Friends and Patrons of Tamasha.

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600

Fri 10 and Sat 11 Oct, 7:30pm. £15/10. Over 14s.

Mark Bruce Company: Dracula Bruce's company of ten exceptional dancers bring Bram Stoker's haunting, erotic tale to life in a heart wrenching and magical dance-theatre production. With an eclectic mix of music from Bach and Mozart to Ligeti and Fred Frith, Bruce explores choreographic styles ranging from the subtlety of classical etiquette to visceral contemporary dance. Winner of the prestigious South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance, this critically acclaimed production should not be missed.

‘An eerie, atmospheric and virtually flawless dance adaptation.’ ★★★★★ The Express ‘Kill for a ticket.’ ★★★★ The Observer | markbrucecompany.com | #dracula14 Presented in association with Tobacco Factory Theatres, Pavilion Dance South West and Wilton’s Music Hall. Supported by Arts Council England and the National Lottery. Part of the Gothic Manchester Festival.

October / Black History Month Manchester Literature Festival at Contact Tue 14 Oct, 7:30pm. £6/5. Over 11s.

Daljit Nagra: The Retold Ramayana British poet Daljit Nagra performs a captivating one-man show based on The Retold Ramayana, his updated version of the ancient tales that have enchanted Eastern audiences for thousands of years. Full of wild monkey battles and tender love scenes, the Forward Prize-winning poet will bring a colourful, lost world to life. | daljitnagra.com | #retoldramayana Wed 15 Oct, 7:30pm. £6/5. Over 16s.

Polari London’s award-winning LGBT literary salon heads north for Manchester Literature Festival. Polari has been showcasing the best in established and up-and-coming queer literary talent since 2007. The event will be hosted by author Paul Burston with performances from Neil Bartlett, Jonathan Harvey, VG Lee and Rosie Garland.

'Always fun, always thought-provoking — a guaranteed good night out.’ Sarah Waters | polariliterarysalon.co.uk | #polari ©Justin David

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600

The best in contemporary writing from across the world. manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk I #mcrlitfest

Thu 16 Oct, 7:30pm. £6/5. Over 16s.

Patience Agbabi: Telling Tales Award-winning poet Patience Agbabi retells Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales for the 21st century in her new collection, Telling Tales. She is also the author of Bloodshot Monochrome, Transformatrix and R.A.W. and is a former Poet Laureate of Canterbury.

'Inventive, risky, serious and fun.’ Jeanette Winterson © Lydon Douglas

| renaissanceone.co.uk | #funkychaucer Produced by Renaissance One.

Sat 18 Oct, 8pm. £10/8. Over 16s.

Kate Tempest One of the most original and electrifying spoken word artists in the UK, Kate Tempest has performed on stages both sides of the Atlantic, from Glastonbury to New York. She recently won the prestigious Ted Hughes Award for Brand New Ancients and will be showcasing work from her remarkable new collection Hold Your Own at this special Manchester Literature Festival event. Continuing Kate’s fascination with Greek mythology, it’s an ambitious and multi-voiced collection that is inspired by the myth of Tiresias. © Niamh Convery

| katetempest.co.uk | #holdyourown

October / Black History Month Thu 23 Oct, 7:30pm. £9/5. Over 13s.

Young Identity: Battle of the Minds The bell has rung. Who will throw the first punch? Who will be left standing? Ed U Cation, a young, virile fighter versus Know Ledge, a seasoned athlete and heavyweight. Whose voice will be victorious? Find out as Manchester’s finest young poets present a verbal battle of heart and mind. | youngidentity.org | #battleoftheminds © Saquib Chowdhury

Presented by Young Identity in association with Contact, Commonword and Inna Voice.

Fri 24 and Sat 25 Oct, 8pm. £11/6. All ages. Contact and Word of Warning present

Action Hero: Hoke’s Bluff Everything rests on this one free throw. On this one last shot. On these last few seconds. Action Hero have got their game faces on. With a nostalgic yearning for the simplicity of a world that never really existed, Hoke’s Bluff uses the hackneyed formulas of high-school storylines and the cheap sentimentality of inspiring locker-room speeches to find out what it means to be a winner (on the inside).

‘See why this maverick company, with its engaging DIY aesthetic, is attracting so much attention.’ The Guardian | actionhero.org.uk | #hokesbluff Co-produced by China Plate and Warwick Arts Centre. Co-commissioned by Bristol Old Vic Ferment. Funded by Arts Council England via the National Lottery. Action Hero are supported by Theatre Bristol’s Company Producer.

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600

Afrovibes Festival 2014 © Artscape, National Arts Festival 2011

Theatre, music and dance from South Africa. afrovibesUK.com | #afrovibesUK

Tue 28 Oct, 7pm. Free. Over 12s.

Elusive Spring/ Brothers in Blood Presented by Bilimankhwe International Theatre. Rehearsed readings.

Mike van Graan writes vividly and fearlessly, evoking the racial and political tensions in today’s South Africa, linking the personal with the political in plays that challenge and provoke. The play readings of Brothers in Blood and Elusive Spring complement the full performance of his play Rainbow Scars (see p12). Tue 28 Oct, 7:30pm. £9/5. Over 10s. Post-show talk.

BSL

performance Tue 28 Oct, 7:30pm

Mamela Presented by Curious Monkey. Edited by Gez Casey and Ziphozake Hlobo. Directed by Amy Golding.

Mamela (Listen) fuses European and African theatre to share moving personal testimony from young women who were born towards the end of the Apartheid era: the ‘born-free’ generation. Their opinions, experiences and aspirations are shared verbatim using traditional dance and song to complement spoken word. A compelling and uplifting narrative. ‘An unheralded gem.’ Cue Magazine Curtain-raiser Short pre-show performance by young women from Salford who have been working with Tandem Theatre, Mamela cast, and director Amy Golding.

October / Black History Month Afrovibes Festival 2014

Theatre, music and dance from South Africa.

Wed 29 Oct, 8pm. £9/5. Over 12s. Post-show talk.

Rainbow Scars Presented by Artscape Theatre Centre. Written by Mike Van Graan. Directed by Lara Bye.

During the era of reconciliation, Nelson Mandela encouraged South Africans to reach out and touch each other’s lives. White, middle-class Ellen Robinson’s family includes Lindiwe, a black child they adopted aged three. Fourteen years later, Lindiwe’s cousin seeks her out and she comes face to face with her biological heritage.

‘One of the country’s most brilliantly incisive playwrights.’ ★★★★ Artlink South Africa

Thu 30 Oct, 8pm. £11/6. Over 7s.

7 Pillars Presented by Vuyani Dance Theatre and ACE Dance and Music. Choreography/Direction: Luyanda Sidiya and Gail Parmel.

Two dance companies at the forefront of contemporary African dance come together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ending of Apartheid in a fresh and thrilling new work. Afro-Fusion is blended with contemporary African and Caribbean styles, featuring six dancers and three musicians from two continents.

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600

Check out contactmcr.com/afrovibes for full listings. afrovibesUK.com | #afrovibesUK

Thu 30 and Fri 31 Oct, 7:30pm. £9/5. Over 14s. Post-show talk on Thu 30 Oct.

Skierlik Presented by arrangement with Lentswe Arts Projects. Written and performed by Phillip Dikotla.

This award-winning play revisits the horror of a racially motivated shooting spree that devastated a remote settlement in 2008. Thomas moved away after his wife and three month old daughter were killed in the atrocity; the burden of living alone in the family home was unbearable. But now he’s returning.

‘I left with my emotions shaken and stirred.’ ★★★★ What’s On In Capetown

Sat 1 Nov, 8pm. £11/6. All ages.

The Soil Award-winning, platinum-selling a cappella trio The Soil comes direct from the Apollo Theater in Harlem. They combine a stunning mix of styles: township jazz, Hip Hop, Afro-Pop and AfroSoul, plus the most amazing vocal beat-boxing. Afrovibes music nights are famed for their energy and great sounds – and this will be no exception.

‘The threesome generate genuinely incredible music using only their voices.’ The List The Black Sound Series post-show party Afro-beats and party vibes, curated by BPM. Mon 27 Oct to Sat 1 Nov, various times. Free.

Afrovibes Fringe Workshops, performances, discussions and more to complement the main Afrovibes events. Featuring very special editions of Contact favourites RAW (Rhythm and Words), Mixed Movement and much more with an array of local artists.

November Contact and Theatre in the Mill present No Guts, No Heart, No Glory New theatre at Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Gym, Manchester M15 5NR.

Wed 5 and Fri 7 Nov, 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Thu 6 Nov, 2:30pm; Sat 8 Nov, 7:30pm. ÂŁ11/6. Over 14s.

Common Wealth: No Guts, No Heart, No Glory 'We are sick of it, being ignored. Sick of it, being indoors'. A new, Contact-commissioned site-specific play staged in a boxing gym, by the critically acclaimed immersive theatre company Common Wealth. Based on interviews with Muslim female boxers, No Guts, No Heart, No Glory is devised in collaboration with four 16-18 year old performers and explores being young, fearless and doing the unexpected. | commonwealththeatre.co.uk | #GutsHeartGlory Co-produced by Contact. Commissioned by Contact and Theatre in the Mill. Funded by Arts Council England and Bradford Council.

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600 Mon 3 to Fri 7 Nov, 7pm; Mon 10 to Wed 12 Nov, 7pm. £9/6. All ages.

Shakespeare Schools Festival Shakespeare Schools Festival works with secondary, primary and special schools all over the UK, making it possible for them to stage Shakespeare productions in their local professional theatres. Come and celebrate the achievements of Greater Manchester schools with four different abridged Shakespeare plays each night.

‘SSF has done more than anyone to jazz up the once-dreary curricular approach to our greatest playwright.’ Libby Purves, theatre critic and journalist

| ssf.uk.com | #ssf2014 Sat 15 Nov, 8pm. £14/8. Over 18s only.

Paul Sinha is a Stand-up Comedian Paul Sinha is a stand-up comedian, but you might know him as ‘The Sinnerman’ from ITV’s The Chase, or you might know him from your local doctor’s surgery, or from Mastermind or University Challenge – The Professionals. Paul is many, many things: quiz geek, doctor, Gemini, sports fanatic, and according to Jim Davidson, ‘an Indian poof’. But first and foremost, he is a stand-up comedian. A bloody great stand-up comedian.

‘What good stand-up should be. Hilariously funny, passionate and articulate.’ Chortle | paulsinha.com | #paulsinhaisacomedian

November Contact and The Lowry present A Farewell to Arms New theatre performed at The Lowry, Salford Quays. Booking: 0843 208 6000 / thelowry.com Thu 13 and Fri 14 Nov, 8pm; Sat 15 Nov, 2:30pm and 8pm. £17 to £21 (incl. £2 booking fee). Over 14s. Post-show talk on Thu 13 Nov.

imitating the dog: A Farewell to Arms By Ernest Hemingway. Adapted by imitating the dog.

Acclaimed theatre makers, imitating the dog present this stunning adaptation of one of the great love stories of the twentieth century. Set in 1918, against the backdrop of war, an American ambulance driver and a British nurse discover the redemptive power of love. An extraordinary UK stage premiere fusing video, beautiful stage design and original music.

‘Multi-platform theatre makers of rare ambition.’ The Guardian Co-produced by imitating the dog and The Dukes, Lancaster in association with Live at LICA and CAST, Doncaster. Supported by Arts Council England. Co-presented by Contact and The Lowry.

| imitatingthedog.co.uk | #afarewelltoarms Monument A workshop residency at Contact Led by imitating the dog.

Mon 10 to Wed 12 Nov, 2pm to 7pm. £50/30. Over 14s. Taking inspiration from a box of mementos and memories, projection and digital specialists, imitating the dog invite early career artists to build a monument with them. Working with the company, you will create a screen-based work (showcased at both Contact and The Lowry) as a companion piece to A Farewell to Arms, exploring the narratives of war, everyday conflict and love. Book your residency place via 0161 274 0600.

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600 Wed 19 Nov, 8pm. £6/3. Over 16s.

Krip-Hop Nation Led by founder Leroy Moore.

International Hip Hop collective Krip-Hop Nation return to the UK, uniquely blending lyricism, activism and breakbeats. Krip-Hop Nation works internationally as a platform for disabled Hip Hop artists and an independent voice for disability led justice and politics. Featuring MC’s, rappers, DJ’s and musicians from the USA, Germany, Uganda and the UK. Workshop: Krip-Hop DIY Free with a show ticket. Book your place via 0161 274 0600. | facebook.com/kriphopnationworldwide | #dadafest14 Supported by Disability Arts Touring Network (DATN) and Arts Council England.

Thu 20 and Fri 21 Nov, 8pm; Sat 22 Nov, 8:30pm. £9/5. Over 18s only.

The Worst of Scottee Directed by Chris Goode.

Everyone has done stuff they regret. Most of us bury it, but eight months ago Scottee hired a psychotherapist and a film-maker to dig up his past.

The Worst of Scottee sees the Time Out Performer of the Year encounter past flames, ex-friends, and people who no longer like him, in an attempt to find out where he went wrong. ‘Recklessly brave and devastating.’ ★★★★ The Guardian

| scottee.co.uk | #worstofscottee

November © Christa Holka

BSL

performance Sat 22 Nov, 2pm

Sat 22 Nov, 2pm and 7pm. £11/6 (Under 12s £5). For anyone 6 to 106.

Bryony Kimmings: That Catherine Bennett Show Following the UK tour of their outstanding Contact-commissioned performance, Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model, Bryony and her niece Taylor have made a kid’s show. In a provocative protest against flagrant attempts to sexualise and commodify childhood for profit, award-winning artist Bryony Kimmings and Taylor (11), decided to play the global tween machine at its own game by inventing dinosaur-loving, bike riding, tuna pasta-eating, alternative pop star, Catherine Bennett. Expect pop songs, silly dances, lots of real-life video and more in this new show about believing in your own power to change the world, no matter what your age.

‘A mould-breaking pop powerhouse!’ Time Out | catherinebennett.so | #SoCB

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600

Tue 25 to Thu 27 Nov, 8pm. £12/7. Over 16s. Post-show talk on Wed 26 Nov. The Arches presents

Peter McMaster: Wuthering Heights (an all-male version)

This all-male performance revisits the landscapes and characters of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, focusing particularly on Heathcliff’s mysterious disappearance from the moors, and his subsequent return as ‘a man’. Expect overly high drama, romantic violence, a touch of Yorkshire bleakness, and a few alternative endings.

‘A wonderful degree of joyous male gusto... moving and thought provoking.’ ★★★★★ The Herald

‘Honest, inventive… beautifully choreographed.’ ★★★★ The Guardian | petermcmaster.org | #wutheringheights

November © Lee Baxter

Tue 25 to Thu 27 Nov, 7:30pm. £9/5. Over 16s. Post-show talk on Wed 26 Nov.

Debs Gatenby: Hi, Anxiety ‘Two breakdowns – mine and my mum’s – and two recoveries. Yes, it’s a two-for-one. An emotional meal-deal.’ With one in four people estimated to experience mental illness, Debs Gatenby’s one woman show is a laugh-out-loudfunny yet wistful look at how mental illness affected her. And her mum. | debsgatenby.co.uk | #hianxiety Presented by Switchflicker Productions, supported by Arts Council England. Originally developed as part of Queer Contact’s Shortcuts.

Fri 28 Nov, 7:30pm. £6/3. Over 14s. Apples and Snakes and Ben Mellor present

Hit the Ode Hit the Ode brings the most exciting poets from the region, the country and the world to the heart of Manchester. For this edition we’re pleased to welcome three-time world champion spoken word artist, Buddy Wakefield as our international guest. Hosted by Ben Mellor and Bohdan Piasecki. | applesandsnakes.org | #hittheode

December

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600 Tue 2 and Wed 3 Dec, 7:30pm. £9/5. Over 14s. Contact in association with Aurora Nova present

White Rabbit, Red Rabbit By Nassim Soleimanpour.

Imagine being 29 and forbidden to leave your country. Nassim Soleimanpour turns his isolation to his advantage with a play that requires no director, no set and a different performer each show (check website for up to date details). | facebook.com/whiterabbitredrabbit | #whiterabbitredrabbit Fri 5 and Sat 6 Dec, various times/prices. Over 16s.

The Future: Shift A two-day artist takeover — featuring installations, conversations, bingo, chips, karaoke and performance from some of the North West’s most exciting contemporary theatre makers. | the-future.co.uk | #futureartisttakeover Fri 12 Dec, 8:30pm (8pm doors), £9/5. Over 18s.

Mother’s Ruin Mother’s glorious, raucous cabaret returns! An anarchic, alternative night of glamour, glitter and fun.

‘The best in exploratory queer performance.' ★★★★ The Public Reviews © Drew Wilby

| mothersruin.co.uk | #mothers_ruin

December Contact, Spymonkey and Aqueous Humour present Contact Young Actors Company: #folksonomy

BSL

performance Fri 19 Dec, 7:30pm

Wed 17 to Sat 20 Dec, 7:30pm. £11/6. Over 14s.

CYAC: #folksonomy Directed by Aitor Basauri (Spymonkey) in partnership with Aqueous Humour and Contact. Starring Contact Young Actors Company (CYAC).

How do we label ourselves in this multi-cultural, multi-sexual, multi-grain world? #folksonomy will combine Spymonkey’s raucous comedy with Aqueous’ grotesque frivolity and the youthful exuberance of CYAC. CYAC is a dynamic and diverse ensemble of young performers, musicians, spoken word artists and dancers. They are recruited each year to develop professional standard shows, facilitated by outstanding artists. | #folksonomy

Exhibitions

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600 Mon 29 Sep to Sat 20 Dec, open daily (not Sun). Free.

Future Fires: The Negatives A photographic exhibition resulting from Victoria Lowe’s Future Fires’ project. Created by and reflecting the lives of the 'companions' from Emmaus, who are without a place to call home. | contactmcr.com/victorialowe | #futurefires Mon 29 Sep to Sat 20 Dec, open daily (not Sun). Free.

The Future: Context A series of individually designed typographic prints by The Future’s Lisa Mattocks, featuring specially commissioned pieces of advice from major contemporary artists including Marina Abramovic, Quarantine’s Richard Gregory, Forced Entertainment’s Tim Etchells and more. | the-future.co.uk | #futurecontext The Future are supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Mon 27 Oct to Sat 1 Nov, open daily. Free.

Tyler Dolan: Africa Inspired Following his Walking the Streets series for Afrovibes 2012, Durban-based photographer Tyler Dolan presents a group of digitally manipulated images celebrating the vibrant colours of Africa as part of Afrovibes Festival 2014 (see p11-13). | afrovibesUK.com | #afrovibesUK

Regular Events © Joel Chester Fildes

Contact and DawN’s Mind present

Mixed Movement Thu 30 Oct (Afrovibes Special), 10pm. Free. Contact’s open stage event for dancers. Turn up and just watch, or let the music grab you and take part. Hosted by Keisha Thompson. | #mixedmovement

Contact presents

RAW (Rhythm and Words) Monthly, Mon, Free. Over 13s. 29 Sep, 27 Oct (Afrovibes Special), 24 Nov, 8pm. An open mic for poets, vocalists, and MCs, also featuring the Freestyle Pyramid Competition with quirky prizes. Hosted by Martin Visceral with DJ Jomo. | #RAWMCR

Young Identity: One Mic Stand Fri 14 Nov, 7pm. £6/3. Over 13s. Join Manchester’s finest young spoken word performers for a boisterous night of poetry and music. Featuring two open slams and special guests. Email youngidentitymcr@googlemail.com to take part. | youngidentity.org | #onemicstand The Black Sound Series post-show party Stay on for the after-party to end all after-parties, curated by BPM. Presented in association with the Black Sound Series and BPM.

Education Contact’s Education Newsletter Contact’s Education Newsletter provides information about up-coming educational shows, workshops, participatory activities and projects, helping teachers discover the many ways their pupils can engage with creative learning at Contact. Sign up to receive regular updates, special offers and invites to exclusive educational events.

Arts Award Contact is an Arts Award Centre with trained staff who are able to deliver bronze, silver and gold Arts Awards. Contact is also an Arts Award Supporter Organisation. As an Arts Award Supporter we can offer: • Involvement

in our free workshops and projects.

• Artist

meet and greets.

• Leadership

opportunities.

• Opportunities

Workshops

to see and review live

performance.

Contact delivers bespoke, high quality, innovative educational workshops and participatory projects across a variety of live and digital art forms, as well as continued professional development training and consultation. To sign up to Contact’s Education Newsletter or to enquire about workshops please contact: rachelmoorhouse@contactmcr.com | 0161 274 0602.

• Tours

of the building and backstage.

• Opportunities

to meet staff working in Contact’s various departments.

To find out more please contact: abbiewillcox@contactmcr.com | 0161 274 0613.

Groups It really couldn’t be easier to organise a group visit to Contact. Let us look after you: • Receive

advance information about shows; get great offers and occasional free stuff.

• Groups

of 10 or more make great savings on shows – every 10th person comes free.

For more info call: 0161 274 0600. © Joel Chester Fildes

Join in Young people are at the heart of everything we do. Don’t just watch, get involved!

Contact Young Actors Company (CYAC) Weekly, Free. Ages 15 to 25. Next Auditions: Mon 8, Tue 9 and Wed 10 Sep, 6pm to 8pm.

CYAC work with renowned directors to produce amazing shows every year. Explore your creativity, push your abilities, and be part of one of the country’s leading young actors companies. | #CYAC

Monday Drop Weekly, Free. Ages 13 to 19. Mon, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, 6 Oct to 24 Nov.

If you’re interested in drama skills and acting then drop in to our regular Monday night sessions and learn from professional performers, actors and directors. No experience necessary. | #mondaydrop

Media Drop Weekly, Free. Ages 13 to 25. Mon, 6pm to 9pm, 6 Oct to 24 Nov. MCs, DJs, vocalists, poets and producers! Collaborate, build your skills, share tracks and material in person and online. | #mediadrop For more information please contact: tundeadekoya@contactmcr.com I 0161 274 0624. © Joel Chester Fildes

Supported by Wellcome Trust.

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600

Level Up: Music Project* Weekly, Free. Ages 13 to 30. Tue, 6pm to 9pm, 7 Oct to 25 Nov.

Develop music production skills working with industry professionals to mix, produce and record music. | #levelupmcr

Technique: Intermediate Course* Weekly, Free. Ages 15 to 25. Mon, 7pm to 9pm, 6 Oct to 24 Nov. Eight week course focussed on lighting, sound and technical theatre for young people with some previous experience. | #techniquemcr

To apply for Level Up and Technique Intermediate please contact: tundeadekoya@contactmcr.com | 0161 274 0624. *Please note you must be available to attend all sessions.

Young Identity Weekly, Free. Ages 13 to 25. Tue, 7pm to 9pm, 2 Sep to 16 Dec. Write, create and perform with Manchester’s premiere young spoken word performers. | youngidentity.org | #youngidentity

Call 0161 274 0600 or visit contactmcr.com for more info and to enquire about any of the above.

Contact Lounge and Space Hire Contact Lounge

Space Hire

Mon/Tue: 11am to 9pm. Wed to Fri: 11am to late. Sat: open late for shows.

Our building is available to hire for conferences, festivals, showcases, parties, meetings and more. Talented staff and excellent catering help make our unique spaces the perfect venue for your event.

Contact Lounge, with Free WiFi, is the perfect spot for meeting, chatting, and general lounging. We serve fantastic coffees and teas to drink in or take away, a wide range of wines, beers and spirits, and locally sourced cakes and snacks. You can also hire the Lounge for parties, graduations or meetings. All profits from Contact Lounge go to supporting the work we do with young people.

All profits from our hires go towards supporting our work with young people. For more info please contact: hires@contactmcr.com | 0161 274 0628 | | contactmcr.com/spacehire ÂŠ Joel Chester Fildes

@contactlounge | #contactlounge /contactlounge

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MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY STUDENTS UNION

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UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

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M15 6JA

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MANCHESTER ACADEMY

Cars: Contact does not have a car park but there are several nearby. Please check our website or call Box Office for details.

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MANCHESTER MUSEUM

Buses: run every few minutes on Oxford Road from the City Centre, train stations and South Manchester (Rusholme direction). The closest stop is near to Manchester Academy.

For the latest information and maps to help you plan your visit please go to contactmcr.com/visit

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Check out the map to see our local area.

RNCM

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Getting Here

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Visit / Access Tickets • No booking fees. • Concessions are available to anyone

receiving unemployment or disability benefit, full time students, senior citizens, and young people up to 18 years of age. Proof of status/ID is needed or you will be charged full price.

• Groups: Buy 9 tickets and get your 10th

ticket free.

• Donations: We are a registered charity

— if you’d like to donate to our work with young people, you can do so when you book a ticket.

Feeling Sociable? Please help us spread the word about Contact. us on Twitter @contactmcr Follow

Like us on Facebook /contactmcr  Watch us on YouTube /contactmcr our Flickr photos /contactmcr See

Access

This brochure is available in large print upon request. We have a flat foyer entrance, ground floor access to our main theatre space and Contact Lounge, lift access to our other spaces and accessible toilets on every floor. Guide dogs can stay with you, or be looked after by a member of staff. Just let us know when you book.

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600 • Ticket collection: Avoid the queues and

ask us to post your tickets out to you. Alternatively, please allow plenty of time for collection from Box Office on the night or collect your tickets in advance.

• Advance booking is always

recommended. Shows often sell out in advance and we cannot guarantee tickets will be available on the door.

• Latecomers may be refused entry into

a show once the performance starts. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time to avoid disappointment.

• We do not offer refunds on tickets.

Tickets purchased are non-refundable.

Spaces 1  2 3 5  CONTACT LOUNGE   MEDIA LOUNGE MEETING ROOM BUILDING   ON LOCATION

We sometimes have BSL interpreted performances — check out individual events for details or contact our Box Office to learn more. If you have any access requirements, please call or text the Duty Manager on 07970 094 069. For more information please go to: contactmcr.com/access

Season at a glance September Day Mon 29 Sep

Event RAW (Rhythm and Words)

Time 8:00pm

Page 24

Event Chanje Kunda: Amsterdam Chanje Kunda: Amsterdam Tamasha: My Name is… Tamasha: My Name is… Tamasha: My Name is… (BSL interpreted) Tamasha: My Name is… Mark Bruce Company: Dracula Mark Bruce Company: Dracula MLF14: Daljit Nagra — The Retold Ramayana MLF14: Polari MLF14: Patience Agbabi — Telling Tales MLF14: Kate Tempest Young Identity: Battle of the Minds Action Hero: Hoke’s Bluff Action Hero: Hoke’s Bluff Afrovibes Fringe: RAW (Rhythm and Words) Afrovibes 2014: Elusive Spring / Brothers in Blood Afrovibes 2014: Mamela (BSL interpreted) Afrovibes 2014: Rainbow Scars Afrovibes 2014: Skierlik Afrovibes 2014: 7 Pillars Afrovibes Fringe: Mixed Movement Afrovibes 2014: Skierlik

Time 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:00pm 5:30pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:00pm 8:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 10:00pm 7:30pm

Page 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 24 11 11 12 13 13 24 13

Event Afrovibes 2014: The Soil Afrovibes Fringe: The Black Sound Series Shakespeare Schools Festival Shakespeare Schools Festival Common Wealth: No Guts, No Heart, No Glory Shakespeare Schools Festival Common Wealth: No Guts, No Heart, No Glory Common Wealth: No Guts, No Heart, No Glory Shakespeare Schools Festival Common Wealth: No Guts, No Heart, No Glory Shakespeare Schools Festival Common Wealth: No Guts, No Heart, No Glory Common Wealth: No Guts, No Heart, No Glory imitating the dog: Monument residency

Time 8:00pm 10:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 2:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 2:30pm 7:00pm 2:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 2:00pm to 7:00pm

Page 13 13 15 15 14 15 14 14 15 14 15 14 14 16

October Day Fri 3 Oct Sat 4 Oct Wed 8 Oct Thu 9 Oct Fri 10 Oct Sat 11 Oct Fri 10 Oct Sat 11 Oct Tue 14 Oct Wed 15 Oct Thu 16 Oct Sat 18 Oct Thu 23 Oct Fri 24 Oct Sat 25 Oct Mon 27 Oct Tue 28 Oct Tue 28 Oct Wed 29 Oct Thu 30 Oct Thu 30 Oct Thu 30 Oct Fri 31 Oct November Day Sat 1 Nov Sat 1 Nov Mon 3 Nov Tue 4 Nov Wed 5 Nov Wed 5 Nov Wed 5 Nov Thu 6 Nov Thu 6 Nov Fri 7 Nov Fri 7 Nov Fri 7 Nov Sat 8 Nov Mon 10 to Wed 12 Nov

contactmcr.com tickets & info: 0161 274 0600 November (cont.) Mon 10 Nov Tue 11 Nov Wed 12 Nov Thu 13 Nov Fri 14 Nov Fri 14 Nov Fri 14 Nov Sat 15 Nov Sat 15 Nov Sat 15 Nov Wed 19 Nov Thu 20 Nov Fri 21 Nov Sat 22 Nov Sat 22 Nov Sat 22 Nov Mon 24 Nov Tue 25 Nov Tue 25 Nov Wed 26 Nov Wed 26 Nov Thu 27 Nov Thu 27 Nov Fri 28 Nov

Shakespeare Schools Festival Shakespeare Schools Festival Shakespeare Schools Festival imitating the dog: A Farewell to Arms Young Identity: One Mic Stand The Black Sound Series imitating the dog: A Farewell to Arms imitating the dog: A Farewell to Arms imitating the dog: A Farewell to Arms Paul Sinha is a Stand-up Comedian Krip-Hop Nation The Worst of Scottee The Worst of Scottee Bryony Kimmings: That Catherine Bennett Show (BSL interpreted) Bryony Kimmings: That Catherine Bennett Show The Worst of Scottee RAW (Rhythm and Words) Debs Gatenby: Hi, Anxiety Peter McMaster: Wuthering Heights Debs Gatenby: Hi, Anxiety Peter McMaster: Wuthering Heights Debs Gatenby: Hi, Anxiety Peter McMaster: Wuthering Heights Hit the Ode

7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 7:00pm 10:00pm 8:00pm 2:30pm 8:00pm 8:00pm 8:00pm 8:00pm 8:00pm 2:00pm

15 15 15 16 24 24 16 16 16 15 17 17 17 18

7:00pm 8:30pm 8:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 7:30pm

18 17 24 20 19 20 19 20 19 20

Event White Rabbit, Red Rabbit White Rabbit, Red Rabbit The Future: Shift The Future: Shift Mother’s Ruin CYAC: #folksonomy CYAC: #folksonomy CYAC: #folksonomy (BSL interpreted) CYAC: #folksonomy

Time 7:30pm 7:30pm TBC TBC 8:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm

Page 21 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 22

Event Future Fires: The Negatives

Time Open daily (not Sun)

Page 23

The Future: Context

Open daily (not Sun)

Afrovibes 2014: Tyler Dolan — Africa Inspired

Open daily

December Day Tue 2 Dec Wed 3 Dec Fri 5 Dec Sat 6 Dec Fri 12 Dec Wed 17 Dec Thu 18 Dec Fri 19 Dec Sat 20 Dec Exhibitions Day Mon 29 Sep to Sat 20 Dec Mon 29 Sep to Sat 20 Dec Mon 27 Oct to Sat 1 Nov

Find Us Contact, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA We are open on all days featuring programmed activity as follows: Monday to Friday: 10am to 11pm Saturdays: 3pm to late 24 hour online booking contactmcr.com Box Office 0161 274 0600 Monday to Friday: 10am to 9pm Saturdays: 3pm to 6pm

Thank you

Thanks to our funders, partners and supporters, and all the people who have donated online and in person.

Registered Charity Number: 501953 All info correct at time of going to print. Check contactmcr.com for up-to-date info. Cover image: Mark Bruce Company â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Dracula ÂŠ Colin Hawkins. Brochure design: markbrownstudio.co.uk