The Court of Rio de Janeiro has ruled in favor of actress Danielle Winits, requiring the company responsible for special effects in the musical 'Xanadu' to pay her R$ 20,000 for moral damages resulting from a serious accident during a performance in 2012. Directed by Miguel Falabella, 'Xanadu' featured scenes where actors flew above the audience suspended by steel cables. During one such performance, a cable snapped, leading to a dramatic fall from a height of approximately five meters, causing injuries to both Winits and fellow actor Thiago Fragoso.

The 2nd Civil Court of the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice issued the ruling against Set Cavalheiros Efeitos Cinematográficos, the firm responsible for the flight mechanisms in the show. The incident occurred at Teatro Casa Grande in Leblon, Rio de Janeiro's southern zone, and resulted in Winits suffering a cut to her mouth, while Fragoso sustained five fractured ribs and required a medical leave following the accident. The court's decision opens the door for victims to seek justice and compensation in cases of negligence in theatrical productions.

Despite the sentence, the company has the possibility to appeal the ruling, which highlights ongoing concerns about safety measures in live performances. The case raises awareness about the responsibilities of production companies and the potential risks involved in stagecraft, particularly when using complex special effects. This ruling may also lead to stricter regulations and protocols being implemented in the industry to protect artists and crew members from future accidents.