Free things to do this week ft. Tales of Whatever, films + more

Unlocking the Archive at Anthony Burgess Foundation
Although he’s best known for a handful of novels, Anthony Burgess amassed a huge body of work during his lifetime as a writer, composer and literary critic. Much of this is now managed by the Foundation who are opening up the archives for one of their regular tours, giving an insight into the life of this fascinating figure in Manchester’s cultural heritage. Places are limited on these tours, so it’s important to book in advance by email.
Wed 11 Nov, International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Engine House, Chorlton Mill, 3 Cambridge Street, Manchester, M1 5BY. Tel: 0161 235 0776, 6pm, www.anthonyburgess.org

Tales of Whatever at Castle Hotel (pictured)
Tales of Whatever is just one of a groundswell of spoken word nights in the Northern Quarter. Usually taking place in Gulliver’s ballroom, for this month’s instalment they’ve decamped across the road to the more intimate surrounds of The Castle. What sets them aside from other spoken word nights is that the stories have to be grounded in real life: No whimsy or fantasy conjecture here, just raw experience strained through a microphone.
Wed 11 Nov, Castle Hotel, 66 Oldham St, Manchester, M4 1LE. 7.30pm, www.thecastlehotel.info

Waste Land Screening and Workshop at The Whitworth
This screening is part of the Homeless Film Festival, an annual festival that uses cinema as a means to explore and shed light on issues surrounding homelessness. They’re coming to The Whitworth for one night only, bringing a screening of the documentary Waste Land, which was nominated for the Oscar for best documentary back in 2010. It follows artist Vik Muniz as he tracks a scavenger art group from the landfill sites of Rio to see what pieces they make the materials they salvage. Early arrivers can also take part in a workshop run by local artist Laura Jane Atkinson and help create some unique upcycled art of their own. At the time of writing, this event is sold out, but it’s worth keeping an eye in case they release more tickets on the day.
Thu 12 Nov, The Whitworth, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER. Tel: 0161 275 4750, 5pm – 7pm (workshop), 7.30pm – 9pm (screening), www.eventbrite.co.uk

Selma Screening at Sacred Trinity Church
Another free film screening, this time of last year’s Selma about one of the most crucial flashpoints of the American civil right’s movement. An important film, it’s elevated by David Oyelowo’s performance as the good doctor himself, Martin Luther King. Weighty stuff for a Thursday night, but the impressive interior of this church provides the perfect setting; and given the protagonist’s background as a baptist minister, it’s incredibly apt.
Thu 12 Nov, Sacred Trinity Church, Chapel St, Salford, M3 5DW. Tel: 0161 839 1180, 7pm, www.facebook.com