From Aug. 7–17, the Monsoon Festival celebrates 10 years of South Asian culture in Surrey and Vancouver with theatre, comedy, dance, and exhibitions.
A Decade of Monsoon Festival Celebrated Across Surrey and Vancouver
This August, Surrey and Vancouver will come alive with the colours, sounds, and stories of South Asian culture as the Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts returns for its 10th year. Running from August 7 to 17, the annual festival features a rich blend of theatre, comedy, dance, and visual art—marking a major milestone for British Columbia’s arts scene.
Honouring 20 Years of the South Asian Arts Society
The 2024 edition is especially meaningful, as it also marks 20 years since the founding of the South Asian Arts Society, the group behind the festival. Established in 2005, the Society has spent two decades promoting South Asian voices and stories across B.C.
“This is a monumental year for us,” said Gurpreet Sian, co-founder and producer. “It’s not just a celebration of the festival’s growth, but of the artists and communities that have shaped it.”
Theatre Weekend Brings Cultural Narratives to Surrey
Surrey plays host to two standout theatrical events during the first weekend:
- “Gemini” – an immersive, site-specific theatrical experience
- “Sikligar” – a Punjabi-language poetic drama by Bir Btaalvi, staged on August 9 at the Surrey Arts Centre Studio Theatre
“Sikligar” explores the emotional journey of Akash, a South Asian immigrant grappling with memory, identity, and displacement. Through symbolic storytelling and live music, the play offers a powerful reflection on the immigrant experience.
Comedy Takes the Spotlight with The Comic Singh
On August 16, popular comedian Manpreet Singh, also known as The Comic Singh, headlines a family-friendly comedy night at the Surrey Arts Centre. Singh, a former pizza delivery driver turned global entertainer, brings sharp wit and heartfelt stories to the stage, offering a lighter yet meaningful addition to the festival lineup.
Dance Classes and Cultural Archives Enrich the Experience
The festival also invites the community to take part in by-donation dance workshops on August 10 and 17 at the South Asian Arts Studio in Newton, led by instructors Raja Singh and Rohan D’Silva. Registration is open at monsoonartsfest.ca.
Meanwhile, the Surrey Art Gallery is hosting “20 Years of South Asian Arts: A Photographic Journey” from August 2 to November 2. This special exhibit showcases the Society’s legacy through powerful archival images of past performances, artists, and community moments.
Festival Launches in Vancouver
The celebration officially begins on August 7 with a launch event at The Cultch Historic Theatre in Vancouver. The opening night sets the tone for 11 days of cross-cultural exchange, artistic exploration, and community connection across both cities.
For the full schedule, tickets, and event details, visit monsoonartsfest.ca.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates, keep following Maple News Wire.
