Cirque du Soleil brought in something magical and fascinating this year to Vancouver – the delightfully-imaginative and visually-stunning production LUZIA, a waking dream of Mexico
For the very first time in British Columbia, audiences got an opportunity to explore the redesigned white-and-gold Big Top at Concord Pacific Place and escape to an imaginary Mexico. Smoothly passing from an old movie set to the ocean to a smoky dance hall or an arid desert, LUZIA cleverly brings to the stage multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico taken from both tradition and modernity.
My top favourite moments at LUZIA:
Costumes/characters: When I think Mexico, I imaging the colours orange and yellow. LUZIA’s Mexico was a vibrant land where even the simplest beings have personality and character. From funny cactuses to dancing grasshoppers and animated insets and colourful birds, costumes were an attractive factor of the show. You could almost get tempted to click a few pictures on your phone while the show is on.
Music: Vibrancy is best matched with good, attention-grabbing music. LUZIA’s music was catchy; the songs were captivating and flawlessly narrated the story and connected the emotions or actions of what was depicted on stage.
Rain: A refreshing addition to Cirque this year was the rain sequence where an aerialist suspended from a Trapeze flies and twirls through pouring showers. The use of rain to invoke in the audiences feelings of joy, laughter, happiness and awe was beautiful. Do pay attention to the rain or you will miss seeing the beautiful designs it creates at one point in the show. Kudos to the production team for thinking of such a concept and making it work.
Contortionist: Every year at a Cirque show, there is one element that leaves a prominent mark among audiences. This year it was the male contortionist who skilfully twisted his body in the world’s most unimaginable positions. Audiences were shocked to see someone’s body being so fluid – can our bodies really be that flexible? Only Cirque can find and present such wonders and make people believe in the unthinkable.
LUZIA is a spectacular show that is a must-watch. If you have never experienced a mind-blowing performance before, then LUZIA is just for you and for all those who believe in Cirque, art, storytelling, imagination and more. LUZIA is playing till December 15, 2019, at Concord Pacific Place. Tickets are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia with the ticket prices starting at $54.