NFB film celebrates the artistic achievements of MTYP founder Leslee Silverman

Leslie Silverman (The national Film Board of Canada)

Winnipegger Leslee Silverman recently received a Lifetime Artistic Achievement award for her distinction of excellence and leadership in theatre for young audience at the 2011 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards Gala.

What If?, a 5 minute film crafted by The National Film Board of Canada and directed by Winnipeg's Noam Gonick, pays tribute to and celebrates the life and work of Leslee Silverman.

Silverman is founder and now Artistic Director of Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP). She has significantly raised the profile and standard of young people's theatre in Canada and established MTYP as one of this country's most respected professional theatre companies that embraces social awareness, leading-edge subject matter, and innovative approaches to traditional material.

She has redefined young people's theatre in new artistic directions that embrace social awareness, leading-edge subject matter, and innovative approaches to traditional material.

Only six Canadians receive the Lifetime Achievement Award each year.

"Always remember to play."- Leslee Silverman.


Leslee Silverman (Loc Lu)