As we approach the Festival, we’ve been delving deeper into each of our exciting MIF19 commissions, from our launch event in March to interviews, rehearsals and behind the scenes on the wealth of performances to come.

Here are some of the highlights so far…

See the trailer for Tree, a behind the scenes look at this exhilarating show about identity, family and belonging, seen through the eyes of one man on the toughest journey of his life. Starring Alfred Enoch, with Christian Bradley, Lucy Briggs-Owen, Sinéad Cusack, Kurt Egyiawan, Anna-Kay Alicia Gayle, Joan Iyiola, Anthony Matsena, Daniella May, Patrice Naiambana, Mbulelo Ndabeni, Andile Sotiya.

Find out more here.

Choreographer Claire Cunningham and her ensemble of leading disabled performers invite you to join them for a drink at a Cheetham Hill social club as they pull back the curtain on the glittering and mysterious world of the professional tribute artist in Thank You Very Much at #MIF19.

David Lynch takes over at HOME for #MIF19 in July – and he made us a trailer… Art, film, music and more, every corner of HOME will be inhabited by a Lynchian spirit.  Click to find out more about David Lynch at HOME.

Seven leading writers from seven countries tell us seven new stories – in seven different languages. In an intimate, unique laboratory, we listen to them read: alone or together, in their original language or in live translation. And as we do so, their stories and languages fragment and fuse, leaving us to follow the narratives wherever they might lead us. This is Studio Créole, a compelling exploration of meaning and language in our tangled global world. Conceived & Curated by Adam Thirlwell, co-curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, designed by Rem Koolhaas & Cookies, directed by John Collins.

For the full programme of the 18 extraordinary days head to our what’s on page.