The South Asian Arts Society has announced the line-up for the seventh annual Monsoon Festival of the Performing Arts, returning August 5-31.
“Our upcoming festival marks a return to live events, after what feels like an eternity. We’re sticking to our roots and presenting the premiere of a locally developed theatre piece…a site-specific play called Dooja Ghar (The Other House). It’s based on the popular, yet tragic Punjabi love story called Mirza Sahiban. We’re very excited to kick off this year’s festival with this play. We’re once again offering FREE workshops and dance lessons throughout the month, and this year’s festival will end with an outdoor celebration in Vancouver’s historic Punjabi Market. Join us for the 7th year of the Monsoon Festival!” says South Asian Arts Society Executive Director and Monsoon Festival Producer, Gurpreet Sian.
Running throughout the month of August, the festival celebrates South Asian art, offering a diversity of great programming options. Festival attendees will experience theatre, music and dance, a marketplace of visual art, dance classes, fascinating development workshops and more. Monsoon Festival’s feature event is the premiere of a theatre production mounted exclusively for Monsoon 2022, a selection of interactive experiences, markets and lessons.
Full details of the 7th Annual Monsoon Festival performances and programs, as well as event tickets and registration,, are available online at monsoonartsfest.ca
Highlights of the festival include:
Dooja Ghar (The Other House) -A Mirza Sahiban Story
Opening night – Friday, August 5 and continuing on August 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 (6 performances)
7:30-9pm
Campbell Valley Red Barn, 1065 224 St, Langley, BC
The festival proudly presents a new interpretation of Mirza-Sahiban by Pilu, which is one of the most popular tragic romance stories of Punjab. Playwrights Paneet Singh and Andy Kalirai have crafted an illuminating reimagining of this age-old story for modern times – a version of the tale that’s much closer to home that you’d think.
Monsoon Marketplace
Launching August 5 and running online until August 31, the Monsoon Festival website hosts the work of a range of talented visual artists, each offering their artwork for sale. monsoonartsfest.ca
Punjabi Market LIVE!
Sunday, August 21 from 2-6pm Free Admission
Punjabi Market: corner of Main St. & 49th Ave. in Vancouver (behind Tim Horton’s)
In partnership with the Punjabi Market Collective, Monsoon brings dance, music, visual art, cuisine, fashion, and more to the streets of Vancouver’s historic Punjabi Market for a free outdoor celebration!
Industry Series
Monsoon offers a series of community-based initiatives that are excellent opportunities for participants to both view art and become immersed in the artistic process. Participants can sign up for a FREE dance lesson or workshop, and spark their creative juices.
Sunday Funday Dance Lessons “Take more chances. Dance more dances!”
On 3 Sundays in August, Monsoon’s free dance lessons are led by renowned dance artists in a variety of different dance styles. Participants will get their blood flowing as they learn new dance moves – no experience necessary.
Sunday, August 7, 10-11am: Bollywood Dance Lesson with Karima Essa (All Ages)
Sunday, August 14, 10-11am: Bhangra Dance Lesson with Raja Singh (Ages 16+)
Sunday, August 21, 10-11am: Bharatanatyam Dance Lesson with Sudnya Mulye (Ages 7+)
Richmond Arts Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond.
Limited capacity, admission by donation but registration is required at monsoonartsfest.ca
Workshop Wednesdays
Workshop Wednesdays are FREE community-based development workshops that offer a great chance to learn valuable skills from accomplished industry professionals. These workshops are a vital component of the Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts every year.
Wednesday, August 10, 5-6:30pm: Write with Preeti: Locating Yourself in the Midst of Transition
Led by: Preeti Dhaliwal. (Ages 18+)
Online only, via Zoom.
No experience necessary, by donation, registration required at monsoonartsfest.ca
Wednesday, August 17, 6-8pm: The Business of Art: Leadership, Business Acumen and Daily Practices for Success! Led by Leena Manro. (in person) (All ages welcome)
All Purpose Creative, Suite 100 – 402 W Pender St., Vancouver
Limited capacity: 15 min Q&A session to follow
By donation, registration required at monsoonartsfest.ca