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    Neil Totton
    Artist
  • slidebg1
    Neil Totton
    Performance/Video/Songwriter/Choreographer/Actor

Artist Statement

My multidisciplinary practice makes full use of my body exhibited as a medium, object and instrument to explore the human condition through varied creative contexts. As a theatre, video and performing artist, I make work that mixes archival footage, photography, recorded interviews, dance, and music. My artistic vision is to translate complex ideologies into experiences that are conscientiously innovative and psychoanalytic. I craft my work holistically from what I observe in the world to promote the power of performance to catalyze introspection.

"The precise role of the artist, then, is to illuminate that darkness, blaze roads through that vast forest, so that we will not, in all our doing, lose sight of its purpose, which is, after all, to make the world a more human dwelling place." - James Baldwin

Bio

Neil Totton is a multidisciplinary video, performance and theater artist who creates highly-energetic experiences grounded in sensibilities that speak to the issues of our times. His recent works, including Wait For Today, Trouble Of The World, The Fit Prince of New York, Becoming Relevant, and Slave For Love have been developed or featured at Denton Black Film Festival, The Social Distancing Festival sponsored by the General Consulate of Canada, JCC Harlem, New World Stages, Lululemon Hub 17, The inHEIRtence Project, The GloveboXX Collective and Easton Mountain Music Festival.

He has performed leading roles in the musicals Hairspray, A Chorus Line, and The Color Purple. Danced as a guest artist with the Ballet Black in London UK, Walkerdance in New York, and Arthur Aviles BAAD Dance Theater. Most recently choreographed for the Sing Harlem Gospel Choir and has served as assistant choreographer for the North American and International Tours of “Aida” and “Jazz A’La Carte'' at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.

He has appeared in the New York Times, Men's Journal, and was selected as one of New York Magazine’s Top 10 Trainers for his work in the fitness industry. He has studied at HB Studios, Steps on Broadway, the William Esper Studio, Gotham’s Writers Workshop, the International Center of Photography, and the Electronic Music Collective. He is currently a Lincoln City Fellow and working on a new solo performance.

"My philosophy is simple.
There ain't nothing to it, but to do it."

Performances

Becoming Relevant: LIVE
(New World Stages) 2012
Becoming Relevant: LIVE
(New World Stages) 2012
Becoming Relevant: LIVE
(New World Stages) 2012
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Becoming Relevant: LIVE
(New World Stages) 2012
Nick Cave's The Let Go
(Park Avenue Armory, 2018)
Nick Cave's The Let Go
(Park Avenue Armory, 2018)
.
Nick Cave's The Let Go
(Park Avenue Armory, 2018)
Nick Cave's The Let Go
(Park Avenue Armory, 2018)
.
Guest Artist
Darian Dauchan's "We The Messiah", 2021
Official Selection
Wait for Today
.
Official Selection
Denton Black Film Festival
Fitness Concert
(Lululemon Hub 17), 2018
.
The Fit Prince Of New York
(JCC Harlem) 2019
The Fit Prince Of New York
(JCC Harlem) 2019
The Fit Prince Of New York
(JCC Harlem) 2019

“No one lives forever.
Make sure you are living on purpose.”

Videos



Contact

Neil Totton

Get in touch!

Phone

(917) 861-1829

NYC