Aerial Circus in Brazil Shines Light on Gender-Based Violence

Performers captivated an audience in Niteroi, Brazil, during a unique aerial circus show aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence. The event took place on a beach across the bay from Rio de Janeiro, where six women and two men showcased their talents in a piece titled “Alone we are petals, together we are roses.” This performance, which debuted on Saturday, not only entertained but also addressed a critical social issue affecting many women in Brazil.

The performance opened with a woman in a pink bodysuit, embodying resilience on stilts. Initially knocked down by her male counterparts, she ultimately reclaims her strength through her physical prowess and supportive connections with other women. By the end of the act, she returns on even taller stilts, symbolizing empowerment and recovery. Rosa Caitanya Hamilton Azevedo, a 31-year-old artist who portrays the victim, shared her personal journey, stating, “After we go through all of this, we grow even more. We become stronger.”

The creative force behind this project, Juliana Berti Abduch, a victim of gender-based violence herself, initiated the Suspended Circus Acrobatics project in 2020. While the group’s previous performance focused specifically on domestic violence, this new piece serves as a broader commentary on various forms of violence against women. Berti Abduch noted the transformative power of participation, stating, “From the moment they start the classes, they begin to overcome their limitations. This helps a lot in life in general.”

Approximately 100 people gathered to witness the striking performance, which featured aerial hoops, trapezes, and silks. The beach was bustling with activity, yet many stopped to engage with the impactful show. 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.”

Statistics reveal a concerning trend regarding violence against women in Brazil. According to a 2025 report by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, one in three women experienced sexual or gender-based violence in the past year. This figure marks the highest incidence since records began in 2017, highlighting a troubling escalation in violence. During the performance, alarming statistics echoed through amplifiers, including the revelation that a woman was raped every six minutes in Brazil last year.

Hamilton Azevedo emphasized the dual nature of the performance, saying, “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 expressed a desire to foster hope, stating, “We wanted to move away from that place of sadness and hold onto hope that the future will be better. And build that future through art, sport, and the empowerment of women.”

This aerial circus performance not only showcased artistic talent but also served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Brazil. As the performers soared above the sand, they highlighted the importance of solidarity and resilience in the face of violence, sparking conversations that resonate far beyond the beach in Niteroi.