The Dominican Republic’s consul left with a cooperation plan. Marcus Frota‘s circus school showed a side of Rio most visitors never see.
On a Sunday afternoon, UniCirco — the circus school founded by Brazilian actor Marcus Frota — opened its doors to a select group of Rio de Janeiro Tourism Ambassadors. What unfolded was far more than a show: it was diplomacy, social inclusion, and the rediscovery of a cultural gem hiding in plain sight.
An Invitation Born From Culture
The visit was conceived by Eric Herrero, the cultural vice president of the Ambassadors’ Association, who recognized UniCirco as one of Rio’s most underrated cultural projects. The group was warmly welcomed by Luiz Frota, one of the project’s directors.
Bayard do Coutto Boiteux, executive vice president of the association, accompanied the guests throughout the experience — which featured professional juggling, clowning, and high-level acrobatic performances.
Inclusion Under the Big Top
UniCirco goes beyond circus arts — it actively practices social inclusion. During the performance, the audience watched children and young people from vulnerable backgrounds share the ring with professionally trained artists. That balance is one of the project’s most powerful hallmarks.
The afternoon revealed a circus that is also a school, a life opportunity, and an engine of social transformation — all of it free, every Sunday, open to everyone.
From the Audience to Diplomacy
The experience left a lasting impression. Roberto Rubio, Consul General of the Dominican Republic in Rio de Janeiro, expressed interest in developing an international cooperation agreement between UniCirco and his country — a proposal that signals the project’s reach beyond Brazil’s borders.
It was an afternoon of social inclusion, professional performance, and the discovery of a Rio that deserves far more visibility.
UniCirco holds free performances every Sunday, open to the public. Follow the project’s official channels for the schedule.
Photo: Press Release
Captions: Roberto and Verônica de Rubio, Vera Aninha and Luiz Frota | Bernadete Simonelli, Chico Vartulli and Bayard Boiteux | Roberto Rubio and the clown | The jugglers | Inclusion during the show | One of the show’s highlights
