Contortionist, snake-woman, slug. I bend into your imagination…
Combining trapeze, contortion, performance art and power ballad, this intimate solo explores romanticised depictions of the female victim – à la Twin Peaks’ Laura Palmer – alongside the intoxicating sexualisation of the supple and bending body of the contortionist. Performed with audience on two sides, the viewer’s act of watching becomes part of the show.
Enter the realm of Elise Reine in this claustrophobic reckoning with the comfort of dehumanisation.
Elise Bjerkelund Reine is a circus performer and performance creator based in Copenhagen. After 23 years on the trapeze, and as a contortionist in every conceivable position, she uses her circus language to push boundaries and norms, exploring experimental and political topics. In 2023-24 as artist in residence at Östgotateatern, Sweden Reine created 5 performances collected in the manifesto “How far are you willing to Bend”. The Shedding is chapter 4 of the collection.
A UK premiere.
“Don’t expect the male or the female gaze, because THE SHEDDING is 100% the Reine gaze.” Sceneblog.dk
The show includes nudity and descriptions of violence. It is recommended for ages 16+.
Part of Circus City 2025.
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09 October - 10 October 2025
