About the show

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"I Killed a Man" is a contemporary circus solo show that embarks
on a trans woman´s journey. The show explores the haunting feeling of having
murdered one’s former self, a common experience for many trans women when
leaving their assigned gender behind. Through a multidisciplinary repertoire such as
aerials, dance, singing, and physical theatre, Diana Salles invites us to reflect on the
physical and emotional strength it takes to honour one’s deepest truth.

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Technic(s)

Aerials, dance, singing, and physical theatre
 

About the company

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Brazilian-born Diana Salles has emerged as a prominent voice in contemporary circus. A graduate of the prestigious École Supérieure des Arts du Cirque (ESAC) in Belgium, she studied under notable mentors Roman Fedin and Valérie Dubois, specializing in aerial silks.

Diana’s work centers on the connective power of circus and its potential to bring social issues to the stage. Her artistry was recognized globally in 2019 with her aerial silks act, Genesis; she earned the bronze medal and the "Prix de la Ville de Paris" at the Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain and the Public Choice Award at FIRCO in Madrid. Since then, Diana has created acts and performed in various socially relevant productions, such as SABOTAGE by NofitState directed by Firenza Guidi, and Death in Venice, an opera by Benjamin Britten brought back to the stage through a collaboration between NofitState and the Welsh National Opera, in which Diana played the mother of Tadzio, becoming the first trans woman in this role.

 

In 2023, Diana premiered her solo show DELUSIONAL - I Killed a Man, created in collaboration with director Firenza Guidi. The performance explores her transition from male to female and has earned acclaim for its raw honesty and uniquely personal creative process, further solidifying Diana's role as a leading voice for queer identities in contemporary circus.

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Contributors

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​Performer and co-author:

Diana Salles

Director, co-author:

Firenza Guidi Costume

Costume Designer:

Alexander Michael Arnold

Sound creation:

Lukas Thielecke

Light Design:

Firenza Guidi & Boy den Boer 

Music:

Stand by your man, Tammy Wynette Camera, Noah Jazz, Clara Rodríguez

Zirkus ON Mentors:
Robert Sterzig, Gabriele Koch

Distribution, Management:
Diana Salles

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Funders/Sponsors

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• Co-production: Zirkus ON creation alliance

• Fondazione Cirko Vertigo