Review: LUZIA by Cirque Du Soleil
I’m not quiet about my love for Cirque Du Soleil. I remember borrowing Cirque DVD’s from the library, staring in awe at the screen, jealous that people got to see those shows in person. When I grew up, going to see Cirque felt like I was fulfilling some sort of covenant to my younger self, and I am very fortunate to say that I have seen Cirque Du Soleil fifteen times, and without a doubt, Luzia is in my top five productions ever, maybe even top three. There are Cirque du Soleil productions that impress with their acrobatics, and then there are productions that completely transport you. LUZIA belongs firmly in the latter category.
Now playing under the Big Top on the Lakeshore in Toronto, LUZIA invites audiences into a dreamlike vision of Mexico (very much inspired by the real place), blending folklore, landscapes, music, and contemporary circus arts into a breathtaking spectacle. The show’s title combines the Spanish words for light (luz) and rain (lluvia), two elements that become central to both the visual storytelling and the technical wizardry on display throughout the evening.
LUZIA begins with a traveller parachuting into this surreal world, where he encounters fantastical beings, animals, and plants emerging from the shadows. While the narrative is intentionally loose, the production succeeds by creating an atmosphere and capsuled moments rather than telling a conventional story.
What sets LUZIA apart from many previous touring Cirque productions is its groundbreaking use of water. Rain falls from above, pools emerge from the stage, and performers execute complex routines amid splashing fountains and cascading curtains of water. The effect is nothing short of captivating and mesmerizing, creating images that linger long after the final bow. The water sequences in the show are hands down my favourite moments in the show, and feel less like circus acts and more like art.
The acrobatic performances are, unsurprisingly, world-class. Highlights include the dazzling ariel and Cyr wheel routine performed in the rain, an incredible juggling act, a celebration of soccer (quite the coincidence since the world cup is on), a hilarious hand-balance act inspired by old cinema, an astonishing contortion act with one of the best contortionists in Cirque Du Soleil history, and the stunning conclusion to the show: the Russian Swings. And those were only a few acts!
Rather than relying solely on spectacle, many of the acts are woven seamlessly into the show’s dreamlike aesthetic. This is shown with how the show ends, not with a big bang act, but with a few moments celebrating life and the exploration of time. The final moments were of a party scene that our lead chooses to keep going by winding up a giant key, like in a music box. It was a beautiful moment that made me genuinely get a little misty eyed.
Equally impressive to the acrobats and the acting are the costumes, live music, and production design. Every detail feels carefully considered, creating a rich celebration of Mexican culture without falling into cliché. The score shifts effortlessly between energetic and haunting, while the costumes burst with colour and imagination. The music alone was incredible, and I want to tip my hat to their wonderful singer, whose voice was beautifully clean, authentic, and larger than life.
My only critique was that I wasn’t a fan of most of the clowning segments in the show, especially when they went on for so long as they were changing sets or drying off the stage. At times they felt forced and cheesy, however the lead was phenomenal, and a great choice to lead us through the world of LUZIA. It’s possible that some of these segments need to be re-evaluated to see how they can really bring in the funny.
Ultimately, LUZIA is less about where the story is going and more about the journey itself. It is a celebration of imagination, culture, artistry, and the extraordinary things the human body can accomplish. For longtime Cirque fans, it ranks among the company’s most visually ambitious productions. For newcomers, it’s an unforgettable introduction to why Cirque du Soleil remains one of the most innovative live entertainment experiences in the world.
LUZIA is playing in Toronto until August 30th, and believe me when I say, this is not one to be missed. Go buy a ticket, and thank me later.
[Review by Shan Fernando]