Elien Hanselaer

Elien Hanselaer (1989) studied at KASK in Ghent, and the East 15 acting school in London. After her training, she spent five years working in the London theatre world, collaborating with directors including Tim Supple, Harry Burton, Mike Bradwell and Jamie Harper. Her work in London also led to international collaborations with companies including Odin Teatret (Denmark) and Adishakti (India).

Eilen began working in Belgium again from 2017, and has performed in productions including Afropean/Human Being (KVS), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf (KVS), Ashes to Ashes and Europa in de Herfst (Malpertuis).

In 2018 she received the prestigious Northern Bridge Award in the United Kingdom, with which she financed her practice-based research into co-performer empathy and connection. This research, which in 2023 led to the award of her PhD, focuses on the dynamic between performers, how they can strengthen their connection, and what creative possibilities this opens up when connection is central to the artistic process. She applies her insights as a tutor at the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp and the International Opera Academy.

Similarly building on the theme of ‘connection’, Elien is currently leading Korte Keten, a four-year art project (2024-2028) in Belgium which forges meaningful ties between artists and communities through participatory work.

Photo: Luce Newman-Williams