Circus structure collapses after heavy rain in Greater Natal; ‘Despair hit’, says artist | large northern river

The structure of a circus collapsed on Monday afternoon (1st) due to the rains that hit all regions of Rio Grande do Norte. The circus was located in Nova Parnamirim, in the municipality of Parnamirim, in Greater Natal. No one was injured in the accident.

According to the artists who take care of the circus, the tarp and other items were destroyed:

• the chairs used by the public broke;
• the sound system broke;
• the stage was damaged;
• the show curtain was torn;
• the canvas also tore.

“The canvas, which is the main thing, which is the roof of our house, also broke in half and we don’t know how to fix it”, lamented the artist Priscila Oliveira, one of those responsible for the circus.

The artist said that they intended to move the circus, but that, due to the bad weather in the city in recent days, they decided to keep it in Nova Parnamirim for a few more days.

The circus has existed for 18 years – and has been in Rio Grande do Norte for around 10 -, going through three generations. Currently, 11 people live at the circus, including two children.

The artists found out about the accident while performing at a school. “When we arrived in front of the circus, the scene was already regrettable, the circus was actually completely destroyed on the ground”, lamented Priscila Oliveira.

The scene also saddened Luan Feitosa, who is the Scrap Clown in the circus. He ran from school to the circus when he heard about the accident. His father and mother were at the scene, who were not injured.

“I came running, I even lost my cell phone in the rain. I wanted to get there as quickly as possible, because I knew there were only my mother and father at the circus. When I arrived, they were both crying. Desperation hit”, he lamented.

“This is my life. Arriving and seeing everything on the ground… We built everything.”

The artists are now thinking about alternatives to recover the canvas and all the lost material, and get back to performing as quickly as possible.

“Let’s ask God for strength so we can lift everything again, bring joy to everyone. This is my life”, said Luan Feitosa.