Luzia – A Waking Dream Of Mexico

Imagine a Mexico where fish fall in love, birds jump through hoops on a giant treadmill, robots tend to gardens and cacti have underwater fights with snorkelers. Yup, only Cirque du Soleil can think up such bizarre storylines and take a captivated audience on a magical journey to another realm. Something they accomplish with each and every single show, including their latest spectacle: Luzia…

Striking costumes, intricate choreography, lively musical score — Luzia has all the elements of a solid Cirque du Soleil show. It beautifully and poetically introduces elements of a multilayered mosaic that transports the audience to an imaginary Mexico “where light quenches the spirit and rain soothes the soul.” And although it didn’t move me like Kurios, Alegria or Corteo, the individual acts were unbelievable. I found myself at the edge of my seat in awe of the performers — their creativity, physical strength and coordination never ceases to amaze me. Here’s a look at my favourite scenes/acts…

Running Woman – Tears welled up in my eyes during this opening scene. There was something about the rising sun, giant butterfly wings and sprinting performer that filled me with overwhelming joy. Representing the annual migratory journey of the monarch butterfly from Canada to Mexico, this was the most memorable scene in my opinion…

Adagio – A nod to the golden age of Mexican cinema, this act made my heart stop a few times (a Cirque specialty). The female acrobat was flipped, flung into the air and became a virtual skipping rope at times. Her movements were gloriously rhythmic and fluid…

Cyr Wheel and Trapeze – It’s tough to articulate how majestic this act truly was. Watching the two young women roll on stage in large hoops was absolutely mesmerizing. I also loved the set design (especially the agave and cacti plant details).

Aerial Straps – Representing a demigod of rain, the artist emerged from an artificial sinkhole (the Mayans believed these were gateways to the afterlife) and performed a lyrical aerial straps act. This was by far the most poignant and thought-provoking performance in the show in my opinion.

Contortion – Ok, let’s talk about Alexey Goloborodko for a minute. The Russian performer is the most talented contortionist I’ve ever seen at Cirque. The way he ties his body in knots is surreal. Everyone watched him with bated breath: we were all in a state of bewilderment. His flexibility is beyond what I could ever imagine (he can even touch the back of his head with his pelvis). I had a chance to speak with Alexey backstage where he told me he’s been a contortionist since he was four-years-old. All that practice has paid off — this young man is astonishing (and slightly extraterrestrial)…

I still can’t get over some of the acts in Luzia. It is certainly a must-see. And thankfully, the original production (number 38 for those wondering) is the longest running Cirque du Soleil show in Toronto so you still have plenty of time to experience the magical journey (snag your tickets here until October 16th).

Special thanks to Cirque du Soleil for hosting us. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own. I’ve watched 14 shows and still can’t get enough!