Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia
by Jessica Sun & Earnie Polanco
In late May, a day after Hunter’s commencement ceremony, Arts Ambassadors Jessica, Earnie, and Michelle had the privilege of attending a performance of Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia. The show brings audiences to an imaginary, dream-like Mexico, “where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul.”
Almost fittingly, it was a rainy day in New York City, but under the big tent, the weather could be forgotten as we were drawn into the show’s story and incredible acrobatics. We were really lucky to have gotten seats just about front and center, far enough from the stage that we didn’t have to constantly be craning our necks but very close to all the action. From the moment we walked in, we were transfixed by the stage set-up and were excited for what was in store.
Luzia draws upon Mexico, Mexican imagery, and Mexican traditions but presents these as if in a dream, as though one is traversing through a jungle landscape, surrounded by plants, flowers, and wildlife, scattered with human interactions, rather than being transported to Mexico City or somewhere else one might have expected. It was a fantastic show that celebrates what makes Mexico so great, highlighting the wonderful flora, wildlife, music, and visuals of Mexico. The costumes and colors were generally warm oranges, red, and yellows.
Additionally, it was a show that both children and adults alike could enjoy. The acrobatics and tricks are sure to astound all who witness it with their own eyes. We were all particularly awed by the contortionist but all feats were incredible and jaw-dropping. There were so many instances where we were at the edge of our seats, speechless. At times, the performers also interacted with the audience, bringing in comedic and light-hearted moments–sometimes playing games with the crowd and other times ruffling an audience member’s hair. The show ends beautifully with all the acts coming together around one big table, having dinner as a big family, which perfectly wraps up the environment of the show and probably what they want the audience to take away about Mexico.
Although Luzia doesn’t focus as much on the actual people in Mexico, choosing to instead focus on the nature and beauty of Mexico and the Mexican landscape, this allows the focus to be on the acrobats and their amazing feats. The show also fosters a supportive environment in which the acrobats are given the chance to redo a trick as many times as needed if they make a mistake, with the audience and other performers cheering them on each time. Seeing the payoff when they finally stick the landing is wholesome and beautiful. Their jumps, leaps, turns, etc. on the floor, through hoops, on poles, and more are stunning to say the least.
Luzia– its colors, its performers, its lights, its beauty, and more, brought light and joy to a very rainy day and was the perfect way for the three of us to end the spring semester. We left the show still gushing about the performances, and I know we were not the only ones who were hoping to have another opportunity to see Cirque du Soleil perform again.
If you missed it, we shared our thoughts on the OOA Instagram stories. Be sure to follow us @artsathunter for future events!
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