Aerial Circus Performance in Brazil Highlights Women’s Resilience

Aerial performers captivated an audience on a beach in Niteroi, Brazil, as they showcased a powerful circus act aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence. The performance, titled “Alone we are petals, together we are roses,” took place on Saturday against the stunning backdrop of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.

The show featured six women and two men, presenting a narrative that began with a woman in a pink bodysuit, who was initially knocked down by male performers. This act symbolized the impact of violence, but as the performance progressed, the woman reclaims her strength, ultimately rising higher on stilts. Rosa Caitanya Hamilton Azevedo, a 31-year-old artist who portrays the victim, emphasized the transformative journey, stating, “After we go through all of this, we grow even more. We become stronger.” Azevedo, who has her own experiences with gender-based violence, highlighted the complex emotions surrounding the performance.

The initiative was spearheaded by Juliana Berti Abduch, who created the Suspended Circus Acrobatics project in 2020. This recent performance is not a direct continuation of their earlier work focused on domestic violence, but rather a broader effort to address various forms of violence against women. Berti Abduch shared insights into the project’s impact, noting, “From the moment they start the classes, they begin to overcome their limitations.” She observed that participation in the circus has significantly contributed to the artists’ sense of security and empowerment.

Approximately 100 people gathered to watch the performance, with some audience members stopping in their tracks, intrigued by the aerial acts involving hoops, trapezes, and silks. Fabiane Curione de Medeiros, an audience member, remarked, “I found it impactful. I think the message — that women need to unite and expose the violence — needs to become a reality.”

The issue of violence against women in Brazil is alarming. According to a 2025 report by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, more than one in three women in the country experienced sexual or gender-based violence in the past year, marking the highest incidence since records began in 2017. This ongoing crisis reflects broader societal challenges, including restrictive access to abortion services, which are only permitted under specific circumstances, such as rape.

During the performance, the gravity of the situation was underscored by the amplification of distressing statistics. An alarming fact shared indicated that a woman was raped every six minutes in Brazil last year, further emphasizing the urgent need for societal change.

Hamilton Azevedo described the performance as a strategy to not only bring awareness but also foster hope. “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,” she said. The collective effort aims to shift the narrative from despair to empowerment, using art and sport as tools for building a brighter future for women in Brazil.

This performance marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of those affected by gender-based violence. By combining artistry with activism, the performers hope to inspire change and foster unity among women facing similar challenges.