Circo de rua: estudos geográficos com artistas do litoral sul de São Paulo-SP

Abstract

In order to understand the distribution of street circus artists on the streets of municipalities on the south coast of São Paulo, how they are organized territorially and their dynamics, both internally and in relation to other groups and institutions, this research was developed using ethnography as the preponderant methodology, with Geertz (1978) recommendations as its main reference. Based on ethnography, different techniques were selected, such as participant observation and the frequent use of field diaries. During fieldwork, collaborators proved to be relevant to understanding the group's dynamics and were invited to contribute to semi-structured interviews, which aimed to deepen the understanding of the data produced in previous stages. With this material gathered, frequent re-readings were carried out, both of the field diaries and the interview transcriptions and the recurrences and relevance of data (events and characteristics described) were noted so that they would form part of the final work, stitching together field experiences, testimonies of artists and the researcher's reflections and other references gathered throughout the process in a narrative that describes the research. The work made it possible to understand the main points of circus activities in the studied area, as well as the motivations or constraints of their territorial dynamics. Furthermore, prolonged contact with the group produced an extensive description of how circus practices have adapted and transformed, along with other social and cultural movements, characteristics that also reflect the ways in which the group appropriates, acts and dominates certain territories. Another relevant point was understanding that the local dynamics of the street circus is supported by a broad network of communication and solidarity, in which artists from different locations are included who strengthen themselves to reproduce their ways of being in the world, as well as sustaining its multiple territorializations.