Performers in Niteroi, Brazil, captivated an audience with an aerial circus show designed to raise awareness about gender-based violence. The performance, titled “Alone we are petals, together we are roses,” took place on the beach across the bay from Rio de Janeiro, featuring stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.
This marked the premiere of the piece, which included six women and two men. The narrative begins with a female performer in a pink bodysuit confidently strutting on stilts, only to be forcefully knocked down by the male artists. The portrayal evolves as the victim reclaims her strength, ultimately returning even higher on stilts, symbolizing resilience and empowerment.
Rosa Caitanya Hamilton Azevedo, a 31-year-old artist who plays the victim, shared her personal connection to the theme. “After we go through all of this, we grow even more. We become stronger,” she stated, emphasizing the lessons learned through adversity. This performance resonates deeply with those who have faced similar challenges.
The project, created by Juliana Berti Abduch in 2020, aims to address various aspects of violence against women. While the group’s initial performance in 2023 focused specifically on domestic violence, the new piece expands the conversation to include all forms of gender-based violence. Berti Abduch noted that participating in the project offers a healing experience for artists who have experienced trauma. “From the moment they start the classes, they begin to overcome their limitations,” she explained, highlighting the transformative power of art.
Approximately 100 spectators gathered for the show, many drawn by the striking visual elements of aerial hoops, trapezes, and silks against the backdrop of a bustling beach where people engaged in activities like weightlifting and volleyball. Audience member Fabiane Curione de Medeiros remarked, “I found it impactful. The message — that women need to unite and expose the violence — needs to become a reality.”
According to a report by the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, more than one in three women in Brazil experienced sexual or gender-based violence in a given year, marking the highest rates since 2017. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of the performance’s message. The show also featured disconcerting statistics amplified throughout the event, including the 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,” Hamilton Azevedo noted. “But we also show that there are paths and strategies to fight against it.” The performance serves as both an artistic expression and a call to action, aiming to inspire hope and create a future where women feel empowered.
In Brazil, the ongoing struggle for women’s rights is exemplified by the challenging legal landscape surrounding abortion. While permitted under certain circumstances, access remains fraught with obstacles for women seeking these services.
As the performance concluded, the artists conveyed a message of resilience and unity, emphasizing the need for women to support one another in their fight against violence. Through art, the project seeks to foster healing and empowerment, demonstrating that even amidst adversity, strength can be found and nurtured.
