Review: Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia is nothing short of stunning (PHOTOS)

Aug 12 2016, 10:50 pm

It’s not everyday you’re transported to Mexico in a waking dream.

But Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia gets you there.

Walking through the Cirque’s Commissioner Street village, and into the Big Top tent, Luzia’s physial set up resembles that of an old travelling circus. And although the popcorn, cotton candy, and colours may look like a traditional circus show, nothing about Luzia is traditional.

From the moment you’re seated, among the 2600 other spectators, members of Luzia – fully dressed in costume – run among the crowd in a playful manner. As the lights dim, and our main character begins to descend from above, Luzia successfully lands us in Mexico, keeping us there for just under two and a half hours.

Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA

LUZIA/Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Luzia is a spectacle, and it is not about a plot. It’s a series of scenes, flowing seamlessly from one to the next. The colours and culture carry the theme throughout, while the speed and surreal imagery captivates the audience. If you’ve travelled to Mexico City in the past, this may remind you of the historical city. The sights and sounds of its traditions and mythology are delivered in a poetic performance that includes acrobatics, football dancing, juggling, lucha libre, aerial straps, and of course, a clown. What’s a circus without a clown?

The combination of acts, and the sheer difference in the beautifully designed sets and costumes, makes it hard to look away. Especially when the contortionist takes the stage, amid glowing candles, twisting his body in unimaginable turns at such ease. But the most impressive part of Luzia is the use of rain and water in its set. From a still pool – that somehow disappears fairly quickly – to the rain falling in specific shapes, Cirque du Soleil has really created magic with water in Luzia.

Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA

LUZIA/Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

As Luzia (which stands for light and rain in Spanish) weaves through the landscapes of Mexico, and as the live music fills the tent, the journey will invigorate your senses. Your inner child will smile at the clown jokes, and the adult in you will marvel at the capabilities of the human body.

Forget everything you know about a circus. Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia is redefining the circus, and it is taking you on a trip for an unforgettable experience.

Luzia is in Toronto until October 16.

Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA

LUZIA/Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA

LUZIA/Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA

LUZIA/Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA

LUZIA/Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA

LUZIA/Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Yasmin AboelsaudYasmin Aboelsaud

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