Leela Tinelli & Laura Stokes

Laura Tinelli and Leela Stokes’ diasporic experience in the performing arts enriches the German circus scene with a wealth of international knowledge. Hailing from France, Leela Tinelli approaches circus with a deeply human and holistic perspective. Meanwhile Laura Stokes’ background in the American independent scene brings boundary-pushing imagination. 

The two find common ground in the belief that live performance acts as a catalyst for social transformation through the experience of communal insight and vision. This psycho-spiritual approach, often found in dance and theatre but unique in the German circus scene, infuses their work with profound emotional resonance, creating a liberating and uplifting experience for audiences.

They began to formulate ideas for a duo creation and were chosen for the Chamäleon’s residency programme. In December 2024, they started their new creation “On The Edge”. Through the support of the Chamäleon, they were able to bring in a range of specialists to infuse the process with expert input.