As summer draws to a close, it’s time to welcome a host new of events at MAC – from family-friendly shows, tantalising cinema screenings, exciting outdoor performances and delightful exhibitions – MAC’s programme is guaranteed to remedy the post-summer blues this Autumn.
Family
On Sat 16 & Sun 17 September don’t miss MAC’s Big Green Weekender – a free, family-friendly festival featuring creative workshops, short films, inspiring talks, live music and more to encourage local action through sustainable projects. Events take place throughout MAC and surrounding Cannon Hill Park.
Come along on Sun 1 October and Meet Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking – a captivating storytelling performance from Lindgren’s classic novel! Help Pippi in her journey to becoming the ‘strongest girl in the world’ in this interactive family performance. Roll up, roll up! Discover the extraordinary in Morgan and West’s Massive Magic Show For Kids on Tue 8 October. Whether you are 5 or 105, this brand-new roadshow is guaranteed to draw gasps and giggles for children of all ages in a hilarious 60-minutes of whimsical mayhem.
Performances
Join us for a thrilling performance with Autin Dance Theatre: Parade – The Giant Wheel on Sat 2 September. Witness the gravity-defying feat of this moving ensemble featuring a 12-foot tall Giant Wheel. Combining music, choreography and impressive physicality, the community of local performers depict the constant passage of time – working together to navigate the highs and lows of life.
Returning to MAC with Sudha Bhuchar: Evening Conversations on Thu 28 September, acclaimed actor and Wimbledon mother, Sudha Bhuchar navigates heritage, culture and the meaning of home in this deeply personal, sometimes humorous exploration of family between generations.
On Wed 18 October, MAC presents Rhum & Clay: Project Dictator, a unique look at the perils of totalitarianism – told through the lens of two clowns. Rhum and Clay unpack what it means to create art in an oppressive society. Informed and inspired by conversations with international artists living under authoritarian regimes.
A comical diversion from H. G. Wells’s original novel, Lamphouse Theatre: War of the Worlds (On A Budget) comes to MAC as a D.I.Y one-man musical complete with a full soundtrack, cardboard sets and kitchen cupboard special effects in this sci-fi inspired comedy bonanza. Join us on Thu 19 October.
Dubbed ‘Britain’s most famous vicar’ – Reverend Richard Coles: Borderline National Trinket comes to MAC on Fri 27 October. From his stint on Strictly Come Dancing to more poignant takes on love and loss, the Reverend lifts the lid on his life as the nation’s much-loved jack-of-all-trades in this almost 2-hour special. See our full programme of theatre.
Cinema
The third instalment of Square Eyes TV Festival returns to MAC from Fri 4 – Sun 13 November. Get ready for 10-days of exclusive screenings, networking events, Q&As, panels and workshops alongside the best of Midlands-based talent. Join producer David Baldwin on his mission to highlight opportunities in the industry, whether you want a foot in the door or already have a seat in the room.
Return to the 90s – I mean, Jurassic period for Reel & Meal: Jurassic Park – 30th Anniversary on Fri 22 September. Start off with some deliciously Devilled Dilophosaurus Eggs, choose between the Roasted Leg of Velociraptor or the Triceratops Truffle Taglitelle before tussling with the Isla Nublar Ginger Ice Cream for dessert. See our full programme of cinema.
Exhibitions
MAC presents brand-new free exhibition Michael Pinsky: Pollution Pods a biome of five interconnected pods, each containing a unique recipe of natural gas to mimic the environmental conditions of cities all over the world. Situated in Edgbaston Stadium Piazza from Thu 14 – Sun 24 September, Pinsky takes visitors on an atmospheric tour of Norway, London New Delhi, San Paolo and Beijing as part of our Art, Nature and Wellbeing season.
Unpacking her creative process, Artist Talk with Rowena Harris offers an insight into one half of the Watershed exhibition. This talk includes an exclusive screening of Harris’ commission ‘A Crip Body of Water’ (2023) on Sat 30 September 2023 at 3 – 5pm. Chaired by Roma Piotrowska, curator at MAC. See our full programme of exhibitions. See our full programme of events at MAC: https://macbirmingham.co.uk/