Social Intercourse: June 19

In our biweekly column Social Intercourse, we share our picks for notable things happening on campus and in Edmonton. Check out all these amazing local events!

What: Amanda Dunsmore: Agreement
When: May 21 – August 23
Where: Allard Hall, MacEwan University
Admission: Free

On April 10 1998, the Belfast ‘Good Friday’ Agreement brought to end 30 years of violent conflict in Northern Ireland, know as the Troubles. Citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland voted to pass this historic agreement. Over two decades, Dunsmore crafted video portraits of the 14 signatories. The exhibit has a 14-week run with each week dedicated to a different signatory. June 18 – 21 is dedicated to John Hume, the leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) from 1979 to 2001.

What: Freewill Shakespeare Festival: The Tempest
When: June 20 – July 14
Where: Crestwood Community League, Kenilworth Community League, Lessard Community League, Sherbrooke Community League
Admission: Tuesday evenings and Saturday Matinees are pay-what-you-will, Sunday performances are $5 for students with ID

“Prospera, the Duchess of Milan, lives in exile on a desert island after being thrown out of power by her wicked sister. For company, she has only her daughter Miranda, the spirits of the island, and her beloved books. The books are the source of her magic, which she uses to lure her enemies to the island so she can exact revenge. But her plot could destroy Miranda’s happiness, so Prospera must choose between her own anger and her daughter’s future.”

From June 20 to July 14, The Tempest will tour around different Edmonton community leagues with shows Tuesday through Sunday. The Freewill Shakespeare Festival aims to create “professional, contemporary, innovative productions” of William Shakespeare’s works. Party like it’s 1611 and enjoy theatre that’s remained riveting longer than the Globe Theatre remained unburnt.

What: Improvaganza
When: June 20 – June 22
Where: Rapid Fire Theatre
Admission: $16.46 per show for students

Enjoy three days of standout comedy and sketch acts at the Rapid Fire Theatre. This year will see performances from Second City Toronto alumnae Leigh Cameron and Kirsten Rasmussen — also known as The Bloody Marys — This Hour has 22 Minutes employees Ashley Botting and Stacey McGunnigle, the Branded Silk improv trio containing friends Jeffery Kitt, Aaron LaRoche, and Onyi Okoli, and more. Kicking off the festival is a performance from Andrew Phung and Friends. Phung is known for his roles on CBC hits Kim’s Convenience and Run the Burbs. A good laugh is the quickest way to turn around a bad day or make a good one even better. Improvaganza is guaranteed to illicit a chuckle from even your most stone-faced friends.

What: Northern Teachings: Zine Launch and Reading Party
When: June 20, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Allard Hall, MacEwan University
Admission: Free

The Mitchell Art Gallery is publishing a new zine called “-miut” with a reading party and traditional qulliq lighting ceremony. Throughout the event, artist Atsinak Bishop will showcase Inuit beading techniques. This zine touches on themes of home, kinship, land, and being Inuk, featuring works from members of the Inuit diaspora. A small number of zines will be available at the launch. As of June 20, the MacEwan Bookstore will also sell copies.

What: Summer Solstice Celebration
When: June 20 at 9:30 a.m. to June 21 at 12:00 a.m..
Where: Audrey’s Books
Admission: Free

In honour of the longest day of the year, Audrey’s Books is remaining open well past its usual hours. At both 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., magician Russell Comrie will give performances. At 7:00 p.m., local author Premee Mohamed is launching her new release “We Speak Through the Mountain,” a follow-up to her 2021 novella “The Annual Migration of Clouds.” The night will also feature drag performances, author readings, and more. The days will only get shorter from here, so take advantage of the sun and spend the day surrounded by books.
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