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Luzia

Donald Trump can build all the southern border walls he wishes to, but Cirque du Soleil won't abide by his barriers. The new production from the Montreal-based big-toppers is Luzia, a show freely inspired by Mexico and its rich landscapes and architecture. A cast of 44 performers will do unthinkably acrobatic things, in dreamy settings that integrate rainy and watery situations. Cirque celebrates a culture; Trump, why, he's all wet. July 28 to Oct. 16. $49 to $195. Toronto Port Lands, 51 Commissioners St., 877-924-7783 or cirquedusoleil.com/luzia.

An American Journey: In Robert Frank's Footsteps

"The photographer has to have a sense of passion and a sense of purpose. You have to have both." The photographer Robert Frank told that to Philippe Seclier in 1956. About 50 years later, the Frenchman Seclier made a documentary based on Frank's photo book The Americans, a landmark illumination of postwar America in black and white. On Sunday, Seclier's thoughtful 2009 film is screened, followed by a discussion led by Ryerson Image Centre's Paul Roth. July 24, 11 a.m. $10 to $16. Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W., 416-637-3123 or hotdocs.ca.

Hillside

While the bigger, louder, newer WayHome Music & Arts Festival happens this weekend in Oro-Medonte, Ont.,the 33rd annual Hillside Festival on Guelph Lake Island does its thing more unassumingly. An indie-music affair with a folk-fest aesthetic, this year's edition offers Donovan Woods, Rose Cousins, Old Man Luedecke and – stick this in your pipe and smoke it – Buffy Sainte-Marie with the Sadies. Hillside bills itself as a festival of music and community and it is not chintzy on either of those things. July 22 to 24. $57 to $85 (weekend pass, $73 to $146). Guelph Lake Conservation Area, Guelph, Ont., 519-763-6396 or hillsidefestival.ca.

Roald Dahl's Matilda: The Musical

A touring production recast with Canadians in the principal parts, this is the hit British musical with music and lyrics by the mischievous Australian cabarist Tim Minchin and an intricate story from the acerbic British playwright Dennis Kelly, all based on the beloved children's novel by Roald Dahl. In it, a precocious pint-sized girl, of sharp mind and rich imagination, takes a stand and takes charge of her life. Toronto critics have written highly of its charm and smarts; its arrival here seems to have been worth the wait. To Nov. 27. $50 to $175. Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria St., 416-872-1212 or mirvish.com.

Shield to Shore

Exploring the St. Lawrence River from Upper Canada to the Maritimes, a waterfront festival showcases a celebrated region. Highlights include an East Coast comedy revue that stars the Nova Scotia-bred Nikki Payne, a sparky stand-up specialist with no fear (July 22, 8:30 p.m., $25 to $30). On the music side of things, the Great Lake Swimmers do an elegant, melodic brand of roots-rock under the stars on a well-situated open-air stage (July 23, 9:40 p.m., free). July 22 to 24. Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W., 416-973-4000 or harbourfrontcentre.com.

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