Riz Ahmed’s new live music show The Long Goodbye was due to debut here in Manchester in March 2020. When lockdown hit, the premiere was postponed – but we were thrilled when Riz joined us from his home for a special conversation about his life and work.

Riz Ahmed is a musician, storyteller, actor and activist whose work moves seamlessly across artforms and cultures. His latest project is the critically acclaimed The Long Goodbye, an album, short film (directed by Aneil Karia) and forthcoming live show (directed by Kirsty Housley) that turn our divided political times into deeply personal matter through the metaphor of a romantic break-up. Weaving together rap, song and spoken word, its nine electrifying tracks tell the story of being dumped by the country you call home.

Riz talked about his work and life in the company of Ciaran Thapar, Founder of Roadworks music education charity and author of Cut Short: Youth, Violence and Loss in the City, forthcoming from Penguin Viking UK and MIF Artistic Director John McGrath.

Joy Alpuerto Ritter, The Long Goodbye’s choreographer, also gave a free online 30-minute dance class inspired by the live show. Joining us from Berlin, Joy worked with Riz Ahmed, Associate Choreographer Dickson Mbi and four amazing dancers – Mithun Gill, Jonadette Carpio, Raheem Mir, and Amanda Pefkou – to create a routine you can learn and try at home.

Watch Here

You can also take part in our TikTok #dancechallenge! Head to the link to our Instagram below where Mithun, Jonadette, Raheem, and Amanda will be showing you how it’s done. Tag us on TikTok using #MIFLive #RizAhmed and we’ll share your moves. Find out more here: https://www.instagram.com/stories/hig…

Commissioned and produced by Manchester International Festival. Live show commissioned by Manchester International Festival and Brooklyn Academy of Music.