So many of us are struggling every day with the dissonances of practicing care and connection while witnessing the rise of greed and fascism. Mutamba and I are each exploring those themes in our own ways. What can we be doing right now in our own communities to seed the futures we yearn for? What does it mean to be alive at this moment with the particular passions and inheritances we each hold?
I hope you can join us to celebrate At the Risk of Listening. This book is a love letter to Nogojiwanong, the place at the end of the rapids, but will resonate with anyone yearning for collectivity in a time of polarization.
Moyo Rainos Mutamba will be playing mbira as a fundraiser for Ubuntu Learning Village.
Please grab a ticket as space is limited. Free / pay what you can options are available.
It has been a long winter of thinking and working and grieving. For one evening, let us visit and eat and dance.
In gratitude,
Ziysah
PS Please share widely!!
PPS Details on the Peterborough/ Nogojiwanong launch are here.
Book Launch and Celebration
At the Risk of Listening by Ziysah von Bieberstein
Featuring Moyo Rainos Mutamba on mbira
Monday, June 9
7pm-10pm
The Society Clubhouse
967 College St., Toronto
All Ages
Accessible
$20 or pay-what-you-can
Fundraiser for Ubuntu Learning Village
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS at this link
At the Risk of Listening (2025, 65 pages) is a collection of works presented during Ziysah's time as Peterborough's Poet Laureate, with artwork by Bruno Merz. Whether pleading with City Councillors to listen more deeply, rallying a crowd to demand justice, or offering a prayer at a vigil, Ziysah challenges us to connect our daily acts of care to our broader movements for belonging. At the Risk of Listening invites us into radical optimism, showing us the flip-side of greed and destruction without denying their real costs. Viewed from this angle, attacks on trans rights become evidence of the power of queer movements “tearing open space for the possible,” while depression and anxiety are signs of "our deep knowing that a better world is possible." At the Risk of Listening explores themes of grief, homelessness, genocide, intergenerational trauma and accountability all within a container that is ultimately nourishing and connective. A love letter to Nogojiwanong, the place at the end of the rapids, this book will resonate with anyone yearning for collectivity in a time of dangerous polarization.
"Ziy's words help us to remember where we are and who we are walking with."
- Jenn Cole
Moyo Rainos Mutamba will be playing ceremonial music from Zimbabwe. He is a passionate mbira player, storyteller, and performer who enjoys blending his cultural interests with his passion for social justice. He is an educator, writer, and founder of Ubuntu Learning Village and Ubuntu Free School in Gutu, Zimbabwe, dedicated to Indigenous cultural revitalization.
Fundraiser: 100% of the funds raised (after event costs) will go towards grassroots community development and education in rural Zimbabwe, including supporting Ubuntu Free School, the only free school in the country. ubuntuearth.org
TICKETS
Tickets are limited and pay-what-you-can. Please reserve your tickets by filling out this form.
The suggested ticket price of $20 will allow us to raise funds for Ubuntu Learning Village. Please don’t let cost be a barrier - any amount is welcome to reserve your ticket - including $0! The most important thing is that we can be together in community to share thoughts, poems, and music.
After completing the ticket form, you can send your ticket payment by e-transfer or Paypal to ziysah@gmail.com. If those are not viable options for you, you can pay in cash at the door.
Books will be for sale at the event for $20 or pay-what-you-can, and additional donations for the fundraiser are welcome. Please bring cash or pay by e-transfer.
Care/ Access Practice
We are committed to doing our best to provide supports needed for barrier free and inclusive participation. Please let us know how we might support you.
Refreshments
Some snacks will be provided free of cost for a range of dietary needs. Food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, will also be available for purchase from the venue.
All Ages
All are welcome! The performances will include heavy topics, and may include swearing, but will be offered thoughtfully, mindful to the range of ages present.
Masking Welcome
We recognize that masks are no longer mandatory in public spaces in Ontario. However, we support masking at the event for any attendees who choose to. We ask that anyone with symptoms of illness please stay home.
Scent-Free
We ask that you refrain from using any scented products. Unscented soap and sanitizer will be available.
Venue Access
wheelchair-accessible space
wheelchair accessible, gender neutral washrooms
change-room and change tables available
Sound and Lighting
Adjustable lighting
No flashing lights or projection
Presenters’ voices will be amplified by microphone for hearing access
Music includes acoustic music and background recorded music at low volume
Venue Location
The Society Clubhouse, 967 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A6 (College St. at Dovercourt))
TTC: The nearest streetcar stop is at Dovercourt and College (Carlton 506 streetcar.) You can also take the Ossington 63 bus south from Ossington subway station or the Dufferin 29 bus south from Dufferin subway station, and walk 6 or 7 minutes along College street to the venue.
GO transit: Go train to Union Station. Take the subway north on the University line to Queen’s Park station. Transfer to the Carlton 506 streetcar west to Dovercourt.
Driving: You can find Green P lots within a short walking distance, such as 146 Harrison St and 9 Bonar Place, which can be accessed through the Green P app.