MIF 2017: The Welcoming Party at the Museum of Science and Industry
Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor
We can’t think of a better place to stage a world premiere experience on journeying and identity than the world’s first railway warehouse.
The atmospheric, listed building is hauntingly beautiful (in that unique, Mancunian industrial way) and the site of world changing events as goods were stored and traded from across the globe, paths crossed as they never had before and the original, modern city was born.
Aimed at ages 8 and above, The Welcoming Party promises to be a thrillingly interactive and immediate adventure from critically acclaimed children’s theatre deities Theatre-Rites, originators of site-specific children’s performance and is co-produced by Manchester’s own venue for families, Z-arts.
Prepare for a one-in-a-lifetime expedition involving people from across the world seeking a redefined concept of home. Expect interactive theatre, dance, live music, masterful puppetry, installations, special effects and, no doubt, many surprises and moments of wonder as you playfully experience notions of difference, how you make choices and create personal and collective impact.
We are excited that families are not going to be short-changed and can have the boundary-breaking quality of experiences they deserve at such a significant festival. This is surely going to be live and shared experience at its best.
In a city proud of individual and collective identities alike, we can’t wait to step through those doors.
