Soulpepper parts ways with executive director, cancels planned production
TORONTO — Soulpepper Theatre Company has severed ties with another key figure and cancelled an upcoming production days after its founding artistic director stepped down over sexual misconduct allegations.
The Toronto-based company said Saturday in a release it has formally parted ways with executive director Leslie Lester, who took a voluntary leave of absence when four actresses levelled allegations against her husband Albert Schultz.
The women filed lawsuits against Schultz and Soulpepper, claiming the renowned director had sexually harassed them with impunity for years.
“The conduct as described is completely antithetical to the values of Soulpepper. Consequently, we requested and accepted Albert’s immediate resignation,” the release said.