Surrey Civic Theatres launches its 2025-26 season Oct. 5 with Kalabanté Productions’ Afrique en Cirque, part of a 26-show lineup across four venues.
Heart-Pounding West African Circus Opens Surrey Season
Season launch with international flair
Surrey Civic Theatres will open its 2025-26 Presentation Series with a burst of acrobatics, rhythm, and storytelling. On Sunday, Oct. 5, Kalabanté Productions’ Afrique en Cirque takes the Main Stage at Surrey Arts Centre, beginning a season packed with 26 shows through May.
A show rooted in tradition and artistry
The circus production blends high-flying stunts, West African drumming, and the sound of the 21-string kora. Founded in Montreal two decades ago by Guinean-born artist Yamoussa Bangoura, Kalabanté Productions has toured internationally with its celebration of African heritage and creativity. Surrey audiences can expect what organizers call “a heart-pounding journey through the rhythms, stories and stunning artistry of West Africa.”
Venues and programming across the city
This year’s series spans four stages: the Surrey Arts Centre’s Main and Studio stages, Centre Stage at Surrey City Hall, and the Clayton Community Centre. Artistic directors Christina Campbell and Marnie Perrin have curated a lineup of plays, concerts, comedy, and dance to engage audiences of all ages.
Concerts and cabarets on the calendar
Musical highlights include a performance by Polaris Prize winner Jeremy Dutcher on Nov. 14, the Gingerbread Men Holiday Cabaret on Dec. 13, and two January sing-along shows with the Piano Heist duo. Returning favourites include the annual Music City Showcase in February and performances by Arrogant Worms and Delhi 2 Dublin in March.
Theatre and storytelling highlights
Three touring productions from Vancouver’s Arts Club Theatre Company will also appear in Surrey. The run begins Oct. 15 with You Used to Call Me Marie…, an epic Métis love story. January brings Mieko Ouchi’s Burning Mom, followed by Mark Crawford’s The Golden Anniversaries in February and March.
Fresh additions and family fun
New to the series is the Play Your Cards Right Street Dance Battle on Oct. 30, a Halloween-themed hip-hop competition. February features a Galentine’s Disco Ball hosted by DJ Kookum and Sierra Baker. Younger audiences can look forward to the Surrey SPARK Stages lineup, including Where the Wild Things Are on Dec. 14 and The Merry Marching Band in May.
Tickets and community connections
Tickets are available at tickets.surrey.ca or by phone at 604-501-5580. Packages and single seats are still available, though opening weekend is nearing capacity. Ticket-holders can also access 15 per cent dining discounts at partner restaurants Browns Socialhouse and Ruex Cafe and Bar on performance days.
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