‘Free Your Mind’: Danny Boyle’s hip-hop production of The Matrix is opening in Manchester in October

An exclusive show is coming to Manchester as part of Factory International’s opening celebrations for Aviva Studios that combines hip-hop dance, large-scale sculptures and immersive visuals to retell the modern sci-fi classic, The Matrix.

If that combination hasn’t piqued your interest, the production is also directed by one of British cinema’s most celebrated directors and mastermind behind the unforgettable opening ceremony of the London 20212 Olympics, Bury-born Danny Boyle.

What to expect

Titled ‘Free Your Mind,’ the immersive performance has been specially commissioned for the opening of Manchester’s newest art space Aviva Studios. It features 50 professional dancers from the North West and involves the work of a whole team of creative industry heavyweights.

It is choreographed by Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy MBE with a score composed by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante MBE. Together they co-founded the Olivier award-winning hip hop dance company Boy Blue. It is written by acclaimed writer Sabrina Mahfouz and features costumes by fashion designer Gareth Pugh, whose creations have been worn by Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue and Beyonce, to name a few.

The creative team also includes large-scale stage sculptures by world-leading designer Es Devlin, award-winning lighting designer Lucy Carter, sound designer Gareth Fry and renowned video designer Luke Halls. It is produced by BAFTA winner Tracey Seaward.

This is the first time the Wachowskis’ 1999 sci-fi film has been adapted for stage. Released in 1999, the advent of the digital age, The Matrix explores – among other things – humanity’s ever-changing relationship with technology, making it just as relevant today. In particular, the production is centred around one of Neo’s lines from the film: “I didn’t come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it’s going to begin.”

When is it on and how to get tickets

‘Free Your Mind’ will premiere at Factory International’s Aviva Studios on Wednesday 18 October until Sunday 5 November, with previews running from 13-17 October.

Children must be over 12 years old to attend and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Ticket prices range between £20-40, with concession tickets at £10. They can be purchased via the Factory International website.