Performers create a drive in circus in Brazil amid coronavirus pandemic

After almost four months of being unable to perform due to the pandemic, clowns, jugglers and artists of the Estoril Circus in Rio de Janeiro, found a "vaccine" to go back to the stage.

They created the circus drive-in.

Inspired by the model used for the cinema, the new alternative performance inside the circus tent can ensure social distancing measures are still observed amid the continued crisis.

The entertainment industry was hit hard when it had to stop its activities during the pandemic and the circus was no exception.

For Anderson de Souza Silva, the circus' Batatinha Clown (in Portuguese meaning Little Potato), having the circus closed for months was like losing a loved one: "today, thank God, we are having the opportunity with the drive-in model to start the performance again."

Due to the pandemic and the economic downturn which has followed, only 35 of the 78 people who were working for the circus ahead of the outbreak, remain working.

Some artists have to share responsibilities, and after performing on stage, they then sell tickets or help at the 'food court' that delivers the popcorn and beverages to the audience in their cars directly.

The tent has capacity for 40 vehicles, and the price of the ticket per car is between $15 to $20 USD.

Willian Cezar, a 40-year-old Itaguaí city councilman, took his family to the show.

"My daughter, for example, was, since I told her about the circus, she would ask me - is it today? Is it today? Is it today? To be in contact with culture it's very nice, it's amazing, she's loving it," Cezar said.

The circus, which started in 1898 in Portugal, has been in Brazil for 30 years and for the first time had cars parked around the stage instead of a crowd of people.

From car windows, children and adults enjoy the show where claps were replaced by car horns and flashing headlights.

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