Circus has always made room for the most varied bodies, but the way we see this diversity – and its representation in the arts – has been changing. To discuss this multiplicity within the circus arts, the panel brings together actor and clown Giovanni Venturini, who has dwarfism, transsexual contortionist Vi Marquez and clown and director Ana Flavia Garcia, who is fat.

They talk about the presence of distinct bodies in the arena and how they are historically seen within the circus art. “There are monstrifications that are often placed on these atypical bodies,” says Ana Flavia. “We need to be aware of this and go from being a target to being an arrow. Every time our bodies are questioned, we have to reverse the picture and learn to stand up for ourselves.”

Clown and director Ana Luiza Bellacosta is mediating the debate, which is presented by Marina Zan, from GEAC (Cultural Action Management of Sesc São Paulo).

Ana Flavia Garcia is a director and clown, performing as the character Geleia (Jelly). She has acted in shows such as “A Incrível Mulher que Virou Jarro (A Origem)” (The Incredible Woman Who Turned into a Jar, The Origin) and “Tsunami” – for which she received the Teatro Candango award for best actress (given by Sesc DF). In her work, she researches decolonial and dissident bodies.

Vi Marquez is a contortionist and circus artist. A graduate of the National Circus School (ENC), with previous experience in dance, she integrates these two artistic languages. She also qualified in the Technical Course in Circus Art 2017-2019.

Giovanni Venturini is an actor and clown. In theatre, he has worked with groups such as Parlapatões and Banda Mirim, as well as being part of the cast of “Vida de Circo” (Life in Circus), a show by Cia. Circodança. In 2018, he wrote the monologue “Anão Ser” (Dwarf Being), based on his experiences and poetry.

Ana Luiza Bellacosta is an actress graduated from UnB (University of Brasília), a cultural producer and specialist in classic clowning by École de Clown et Comédie Francine Cotê Montréal (Canada). Founder of Cabaré da Nega and member of Andaime Cia de Teatro, she researches black comicality and the revision of gender and race concepts in the construction of humour.

Watch here.