The Long Goodbye: Livestream Edition

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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The Long Goodbye (Livestream)

19 December 2020

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The Long Goodbye - livestream
Riz Ahmed. Image courtesy of the artist.
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Musician, storyteller, actor and activist, Riz Ahmed will perform The Long Goodbye via a livestream this December.

The live stage show of The Long Goodbye, commissioned by MIF, was originally meant to premiere in March 2020 – but was postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now this one-off digital performance, which uses binaural sound, has been specially developed for audiences to experience from home.

A fierce blend of storytelling, music, archive footage and immersive sound.

Following on from his recent acclaimed album of the same name, The Long Goodbye takes “a close-up look at the breakup of a toxic relationship with the country you call home”. In a fierce blend of storytelling, music, archive footage and immersive sound, the piece explores Ahmed’s complicated relationship with the UK.

Performed by Ahmed and directed by Kirsty Housley, who co-directed Tao of Glass at MIF 2019, the digital piece also incorporates creative direction from Andrea Gelardin and innovative sound design by Gareth Fry.

The piece explores Ahmed’s complicated relationship with the UK.

Ahmed has starred in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Venom, Four Lions, Nightcrawler, and the final season of the hit HBO show Girls. He also took the spotlight as the first South Asian actor to win an acting Emmy for his lead role in HBO’s The Night Of.

As a musician, Ahmed started out as a rap battle champion on the London music scene. He then went on to write and perform as a solo artist and as part of rap group Swet Shop Boys. His provocative solo release, Post 9/11 Blues, was banned before a groundswell forced it onto the radio. His other incendiary releases, as part of Swet Shop Boys, include Cashmere and Mogambo, which have both toured to sold-out live shows.

The team at MIF are working to reschedule a new date in 2021 for the world premiere of the live stage show of The Long Goodbye. Until then, this online performance, although a different type of experience, offers an insight into the energy, emotion and themes we can expect from Ahmed’s work.

If you liked this – why not take a look at our top picks of online things to do in Manchester and the North.

Where to go near The Long Goodbye: Livestream Edition

Leeds
Gallery
The Sculpture Gallery

The Sculpture Gallery is an outstanding new gallery, of pure sculpture, showcasing the work, not only of the six owners but guests also.

A club bedroom at Malmaison Leeds
Leeds
Hotel
Malmaison Leeds

Malmaison Leeds is a historic and dramatic building, full of character and individual style. Beautifully refurbished quirky bedrooms with power showers, blackout curtains and great beds.

On The Wall is a funky independent shop that sells a wide range of creative and artistic items including, posters, art prints, canvases, greeting cards and merchandise/gifts. They also offer a bespoke framing and canvas printing service and a screen printed t- shirt service. If you are looking for something more unique and inspiring they also sell work by local artists.
Leeds
Shop
On The Wall

Bright, bold and full of character, On the Wall pairs expert framing with prints, posters and gifts inside Leeds Corn Exchange.

Leeds
Restaurant
Canned Heat

Canned Heat is an independent bottle-shop & bar in the heart of Chapeltown, Leeds. Born out of a passion for Music, Art and Community.

Chorlton
Restaurant
Yane

Friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Chorlton, specialising in authentic Japanese cuisine such as donburi, katsu kare and traditional pickles, made in-house.

Creatures Comedy Club
Manchester
Theatre
Creatures Comedy Club

Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just after a spontaneous night out, there’s something here for everyone. Open 7 nights a week.

The Loft
Manchester
Music venue
The Loft

The Loft is an intimate, industrial-style club tucked away on the edge of Manchester city centre. Known for its impeccable sound system and low-key vibe.

Stables Tavern
City Centre
Restaurant
Stables Tavern

The Stables Tavern is an olde style pub in the St John’s neighbourhood of Manchester, where the Rovers Return once stood.

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