Surrey and Vancouver host Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts Aug. 7–17, celebrating South Asian culture through theatre, comedy, and dance.
A Decade of Cultural Celebration Returns to the Stage
Surrey and Vancouver will host a vibrant celebration of South Asian culture this summer as the Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts marks its 10th anniversary from August 7 to 17. With theatre, comedy, dance workshops, and new exhibitions, this year’s edition is being hailed as a milestone for the local arts community.
Spotlight on South Asian Arts Society’s 20-Year Legacy
This 10th festival year also marks 20 years of the South Asian Arts Society, the organization behind Monsoon Fest. Co-founder and producer Gurpreet Sian described it as a “monumental year” for both the festival and the broader artistic community it supports. Founded in 2005, the Society has become a leading voice in spotlighting South Asian talent in British Columbia.
Theatre Returns to Festival Roots in Surrey
The festival’s first weekend brings two theatrical performances to Surrey:
- “Gemini,” an interactive, site-specific theatre experience.
- “Sikligar,” a poetic Punjabi-language play exploring the immigrant journey, by playwright Bir Btaalvi. It will be staged August 9 at the Surrey Arts Centre Studio Theatre.
“Sikligar” tells the story of Akash, a lonely immigrant navigating identity and longing in a foreign land. Told through metaphors, live music, and rich imagery, the play delves into memory, migration, and belonging.
Laughter Takes Centre Stage with The Comic Singh
On August 16, Manpreet Singh, better known as The Comic Singh, headlines a family-friendly stand-up show at Surrey Arts Centre. A YouTube sensation and global performer, Singh brings his inspiring journey—from pizza delivery to international comedy stages—to local audiences. His show adds a fresh comedic edge to the festival’s second weekend.
Dance, Archives, and Community Engagement
Beyond performances, the festival includes by-donation dance lessons on August 10 and 17 at the South Asian Arts Studio in Newton, taught by instructors Raja Singh and Rohan D’Silva. Participants can register through monsoonartsfest.ca.
Meanwhile, the Surrey Art Gallery is showcasing “20 Years of South Asian Arts: A Photographic Journey” from August 2 to November 2. This exhibit documents the evolution of the Society’s contributions through archived images capturing dance, music, and theatrical traditions.
Festival Kicks Off in Vancouver
The official launch reception takes place on August 7 at The Cultch Historic Theatre in Vancouver, setting the tone for 11 days of cultural immersion and community connection across two cities.
For tickets, schedules, and program details, visit monsoonartsfest.ca.
