Elise Bjerkelund Reine is a Norwegian circus performer and performance creator based in Copenhagen, trained in Denmark (AFUK) and France (CNAC). With more than 23 years on the trapeze and as a contortionist, she works at the intersection of experimental circus, performance art and political themes - typically for adult audiences. She created the solo show THE SHEDDING during a 2023-24 residency at Östgotateatern in Sweden, where it formed chapter 4 of her performance manifesto "How far are you willing to Bend". She also serves as artistic director of Feral Festival, an international festival for experimental circus and performance in Copenhagen.
Feral Festival Five takes place February 12-14, 2026 at AFUK Scene in Copenhagen, curated by Elise Bjerkelund Reine and Beck Heiberg.
THE SHEDDING is shown at the CPH Stage festival at AFUK Scene in Copenhagen on May 29-30, 2025.
THE SHEDDING is presented at Det Frie Felts Festival at Teatret Svalegangen in Aarhus on January 25, 2025, followed by an artist talk with Christine Bonnichsen.
THE SHEDDING is shown at AFUK on January 9, 10, and 11, and at GLiMT AMAGER in Maskinhallen on January 17, 2025.
Feral Festival vol. 4 takes place October 17-19, 2024 at AFUK Scene, curated by Elise Bjerkelund Reine and Beck Heiberg.
Contortionist Elise Bjerkelund Reine performs the experimental 'The Shedding', followed by an all-night horror-themed party.
Halloween party at Dynamo with DJ music and dancing into the early morning. Option to see the experimental circus performance 'The Shedding' with contortionist Elise Reine at 20:00 (separate ticket required).