In a powerful display of art and activism, performers in Niteroi, Brazil, took to the skies above a bustling beach to address the pervasive issue of violence against women. The aerial circus show, titled ‘Alone we are petals, together we are roses,’ debuted on Saturday with Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain as its backdrop. The performance, featuring six women and two men, began with a woman in a pink bodysuit strutting confidently on stilts, only to be knocked down by male artists. However, the narrative shifted as she reclaimed her strength through physical exploration and solidarity with other women, culminating in her triumphant return on even higher stilts. Rosa Caitanya Hamilton Azevedo, a 31-year-old artist and survivor of gender-based violence, played the lead role, emphasizing the resilience and empowerment that emerge from such struggles. Juliana Berti Abduch, the creator of the Suspended Circus Acrobatics project, initiated this endeavor in 2020 to combat domestic violence. The latest performance, while not a direct continuation of their 2023 show, continues to spotlight the multifaceted nature of violence against women. Berti Abduch noted that participation in the project offers healing for survivors, helping them overcome trauma and regain confidence. The performance drew approximately 100 spectators, many of whom were captivated by the striking visuals of aerial hoops, trapezes, and silks. Audience member Fabiane Curione de Medeiros described the show as impactful, stressing the importance of unity in exposing and combating violence. Alarming statistics, including the fact that a woman is raped every six minutes in Brazil, were broadcast during the performance, underscoring the urgency of the issue. Despite the heavy subject matter, the artists aimed to inspire hope and empowerment through their art, envisioning a future where women’s rights are upheld and violence is eradicated.
Aerial circus in Brazil spotlights a path to healing for female victims of gender-based violence
