August marks the peak of summer - before you need to drag yourself out of summer vacay mode and face the realities of upcoming month - and Toronto promises to keep you entertained. Take a look at top five events in the city that we’re planning to attend this month! And stay tuned on our Facebook for our next Talkeratives workshop!

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04 - 07: Swamps & Cicadas: Records and Metaphors

What does it mean to live harmoniously with our natural surrounding? Stop by Gallery 50 for a four-day joint exhibition of Chen Minghui and Zou Qionghui, and explore how these two contemporary artists interpret our relationship with the world through challenging traditional values and using peculiar symbols. Opening reception is held on August 4th - mark your calendars!

 

05 - 13: Mr. Shi and His Lover

SummerWorks presents its first-ever Chinese language musical at The Theatre Centre! Inspired by a 1980s sensational political scandal, the performance is bound to put you on an emotional rollercoaster. It’ll be performed in Mandarin with English surtitles, so even if you don’t understand the language, everyone is welcome to dive into the mysterious love affair of Mr. Shi.

 

07: KULTURA Filipino Arts Festival

The 11th Anniversary of filipino art and cuisine celebration takes place on August 7th at Nathan Philips Square. Lots of good street eats, amazing artworks, crafts and a live stage by local Filipino-Canadian artists, and a multimedia live art battle - basically everything that a summer celebration should be!

As part of the festival, there will be an exhibition, TAYO: A Clutch & Nav at OCAD’s Open Space Gallery as a collective of artists explore their distinct yet diverse identities. It’ll be on starting August 5th to 23rd, hope you check it out as well!

 

20: Zine Dream 9 Small Press Fair

Entering its 9th iteration, Zine Dream will be holding its annual small press art fair on August 20th at The Great Hall will be filled with over 90 exhibitors of indie publishers, diy creators and writers, and from our past experience, it’s always a fun, great space to meet and mingle, and get inspired!

 

25: Reel Asian’s RETRO SUMMER Series

To celebrate the achievements of Asian filmmakers, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is holding a RETRO SUMMER Series! Hit TIFF Bell Lightbox on August 25th to check out “Au Revoir Taipei” (2010), a bubbly Taiwanese romantic-comedy and then delve into the adventures of rebellious Asian American teens in “Better Luck Tomorrow” (2002).

 

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This month’s roundup was put together by Mirae and Abby.

Want us to spotlight your event? Send your inquiries and event links to managingeditor@looseleafmagazine.ca