Aerial performers captivated an audience in Niteroi, Brazil, with a powerful circus show aimed at addressing gender-based violence. The piece, titled “Alone we are petals, together we are roses,” premiered on March 2, 2024, against the stunning backdrop of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.
The performance featured six women and two men, showcasing a narrative where a woman, portrayed by artist Rosa Caitanya Hamilton Azevedo, initially overpowered by male performers, ultimately reclaims her strength and confidence, symbolized by her ascent to higher stilts. “After we go through all of this, we grow even more. We become stronger,” Hamilton Azevedo, who has experienced gender-based violence, explained.
The project was created by Juliana Berti Abduch, herself a survivor of violence. Launched in 2020, the Suspended Circus Acrobatics initiative aims to provide healing opportunities for women who have faced trauma. This latest performance is distinct from their earlier work focusing on domestic violence, yet it continues the mission of addressing the multifaceted nature of gender-based violence.
According to the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, over one in three women in Brazil experienced sexual or gender-based violence in the past year, marking the highest level since data collection began in 2017. This alarming trend underscores the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Brazil, where barriers remain significant regarding legal access to abortion, permitted only under specific circumstances.
The performance attracted approximately 100 spectators, some drawn in by the striking visuals of aerial hoops, trapezes, and silks, set against a bustling beach environment. Audience member Fabiane Curione de Medeiros remarked, “I found it impactful. I think the message — that women need to unite and expose the violence — needs to become a reality.”
During the show, startling statistics about violence against women were projected, including the grim fact that a woman was raped every six minutes in Brazil last year. “The show generates a heavy atmosphere, because we talk about the situation. But we also show that there are paths and strategies to fight against it,” Hamilton Azevedo added.
The artists’ journey through the project has proven to be transformative. “From the moment they start the classes, they begin to overcome their limitations. This helps a lot in life in general,” Berti Abduch stated, emphasizing the personal growth experienced by participants.
Through this blend of art and resilience, the performance seeks not only to raise awareness but also to foster empowerment and hope for a future free from violence. “We wanted to move away from that place of sadness and hold onto hope that the future will be better,” Hamilton Azevedo concluded, highlighting the power of community and creativity in the fight against gender-based violence.
As Brazil grapples with increasing rates of violence against women, initiatives like the Suspended Circus Acrobatics serve as vital reminders of the ongoing need for advocacy and support.
