leslie ting

PANELIST: THE POSSIBILITIES OF PERFORMANCE IN PHYSICAL DISTANCE

Photo by Dahlia Katz

With performances described as “fire without smoke” (Strad) and “breathtaking” (Onstage), violinist and interdisciplinary artist Leslie Ting has been creating immersive, music-driven performances since 2013 with her definitive work, Speculation. Recently nominated for the 2021 Pauline McGibbon Award for Emerging Theatre Director, Leslie’s work combines her specialized background as a classical musician and former practicing optometrist.

During the pandemic, in co-production with Theatre Passe Muraille and partnership with NUMUS Concerts, Leslie transformed Speculation into a theatre-film hybrid for audiences at home. “Movingly performed” with “a full hearing to all the contradictions of the idea of ‘silence’” (Globe and Mail) the digital remake ends in a collective phone-in performance of John Cage’s 4’33”. 

Committed to inclusion and creative approaches to access, Leslie has worked with renowned blind theatre artist and disability arts advocate Alex Bulmer (Common Boots) and Deaf performer Thurga Kanagasekarampallai. 

Leslie’s newest creation, What Brings You In, is currently in development with the support of Theatre Passe Muraille’s Buzz Development program, WhyNot’s RISER Project, Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council and Toronto Arts Council.

For Volcano: Leslie is currently an Associate Artist with Volcano Theatre.