What’s on in NOVEMBER

PICTURE: Memories & Motherhood, A Canadian Story. Nandita Dias in concert on November 3 in Etobicoke.

Nov. 3: The Voice of Dharma Temple Scarborough’s Diwali Dinner and variety show at  the Kanthaswamy Banquet Hall.  6 pm to 10.30 pm. Featured artistes include Amar and Tisha Sancharra, with music by The Band Destiny led by Stephen Nanan and including Vijai Ramdath, Darren Armoogam Logan and others. Dances by Footsteps Dance School and others. Adults, $25; children under 12, $10. For more info or tickets, contact Eileen/Ram at 416-266-7207, Peter/Selo at 416-267-1302, Mahadai at 416-750-1819, Basant at 416-283-8116, Hari/Ranie at 416-283-4324 or Deo Phagoo at 416-755-1383.

Nov. 3: Nexus D9 presents Memories & Motherhood, A Canadian Story. Nandita Dias in concert, featuring Deep Ganguly, Sheldon D’Souza, Juan Pablo Dominguez, Danny Mcerian and Franky Dias. 6:30 pm at Bloor-dale United Church, Etobicoke. Tickets: $20. For enquiries or e-transfer: nandita.dias@gmail.com.

Nov. 8-16: The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (Reel Asian) welcomes keynote speaker American comedian, writer and podcaster, Hari Kondabolu (above right).  Kondabolu is best known for his critically acclaimed documentary The Problem with Apu and the Netflix special Warn Your Relatives.  Keynote event on November 10. Tickets at reelasian.com.

Nov. 14-Dec. 23: See the beloved Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol brought to life in the historic Royal George Theatre by the Shaw Festival’s world-class Ensemble. Michael Therriault as Scrooge, Sarena Parmar is returning as Christmas Past (she originated the role last year in this production) and Sanjay Talwar as Christmas Present. This charming Christmas classic by Charles Dickens has one of life’s most inspiring questions at its heart: what – and who – will really matter in the end? Tickets from $35. Call 1-800-511-7429.

Nov. 15-Dec. 23: Toronto Christmas Market. The magic, romance and spirit of the holiday season at Toronto’s Distillery Historic District with the Toronto Christmas Market. A 50-foot Christmas tree donated by Forests Ontario, ferris wheel and carousel, 100-foot light tunnel, European-style cabins selling unique and locally handcrafted products, festive foods and beverages. Carolers, choirs, dancers, brass bands, elves and the big man himself. Admission is free on weekdays until Friday at 5 pm, and $6 on weekends starting at 5 pm on Fridays. Children aged two and under are free. Tickets and info at www.torontochristmasmarket.com.

Nov. 16-24: For its 15th anniversary year, Sawitri Theatre Group presents the world premiers of Savita Weds Satish by Jasmine Sawant and Adam Langton. Originally a one-act play, Savita Weds Satish has been reworked into a full-length one. Widowed Savita suddenly decides to get married with all the ceremony and tradition of an Indian Hindu wedding. Her proper relatives are unhappy for a variety of reasons not least of which is that no one has seen the groom. In these days of social media, that’s a huge cause for concern. Maybe he’s “fat and ugly!”? Or worse, maybe he’s poor?! If you think you have seen the most dramatic Hindu wedding ever, think again! You are invited to this family reunion in all your wedding guest finery, including your dancing shoes! Seating in the wedding party is quite limited. Directed by Siddhant (Sid) Sawant and featuring Suma Nair, Gunja Chakraborty, Uma Ambike, Sylvan Valladares, Anjum Siddiqui, Shalaka Sardesai, Sweta Surisetti, Janifer Randhawa and Ashutosh Walia. In English, at Sampradaya Theatre, Mississauga. Some performances may be followed by a Q and A. Ticket price includes light refreshments. Adults, $30; seniors/students (25 and under)/arts workers, $25, at www.eventbrite.ca/e/savita-weds-satish-tickets-51571474669. For more info and show times, etc., visit www.sawitri.ca.

Nov. 16: Support SAFSS, help women. Each day, we hear stories of domestic violence, abuse, neglect, and the isolation of women and children from relatives, friends and the media. In fact, half of all Canadian women have experienced at least one incident of gender-based violence since the age of 16. Violence against women can take many forms. It can be physical, psychological, emotional, verbal, sexual and so much more. Equally concerning are the cases that go unreported due to cultural barriers that uniquely impact women who are visible minorities. The situation is precarious and needs urgent intervention. Nevertheless, there is hope. You can help support women who have been victimized and take a step towards building a harassment-free environment by supporting Settlement Assistance and Family Support Services (SAFSS). SAFSS has been serving our communities in the Greater Toronto Area since 1989. Its experienced professionals and volunteers are well trained and equipped to make a difference in the lives of women who have been abused and their children. You can read one of the many stories at www.safss.org/donate.html of abused and victimized women who received the support of SAFSS in the recent times and whose course of life was changed to one of hope and dignity. Thanks to her courage and the help from SAFSS, today, Cathy and her son are in a safe environment and self-sufficient.  Every day, your support enables SAFSS to help many more women. Your support helps provide vital services for these brave women and design projects and workshops that engage the community and increase awareness about domestic abuse. You can help by sponsoring and/or purchasing tickets for the Annual Gala Dinner that takes place on November 16. Visit www.safss.org/upcoming-events.html for details and contact Soraya Khaleeli at skhaleeli @safss.org or at 416-431-4847 Ext 245. Donors will receive a partial receipt for each ticket purchased. To make a donation, visit www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/36860. Tax receipts will automatically be issued for all donations above $20. To learn more about SAFSS, visit www.safss.org.

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Deadline for Dec. listings: Nov. 20, 2018.