On November 27, 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to witness Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA in Sydney, and I’m still in awe of the experience. After nearly 40 years of awe-inspiring performances, Cirque du Soleil continues to amaze, and LUZIA is no exception. Directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, this breathtaking production takes audiences on a surreal journey through a vibrant, fictional Mexico, blending stunning visuals, acrobatics, music, and puppetry in a way that felt both deeply moving and exhilarating.

As soon as I entered the Big Top, the vibrant set instantly captivated me: the stage was adorned with bright flowers, and a massive metallic disc loomed in the background, evoking the grandeur of ancient Mexican architecture. As the show began, the sound of flamenco guitar filled the air, setting the tone for what was to come. Then, two dancers dressed as birds fluttered across the stage, preparing the audience for what would be an unforgettable spectacle. But what really piqued my curiosity was the large treadmill at the center of the stage. A woman emerged, transforming into a butterfly as she ran across the moving platform, creating a mesmerizing opening that set the stage for the incredible feats to follow.

A groundbreaking act that incorporated water was the hoop diving sequence, a traditional circus discipline, which was elevated through the use of two giant treadmills. These machines created speed, allowing the artists to perform daring leaps through the hoops as they moved in different directions. At times, the hoops became dynamic, rolling targets for the divers, further expanding the vocabulary of this traditional circus discipline. The use of the treadmills and the moving hoops was one of the most inventive moments of the show, breaking down boundaries and showing how LUZIA pushes the limits of what circus arts can achieve.

The most moving moment, however, came from Jérome Sordillon on the Aerial Straps, where he performed a tribute to ancient rain dances. As he swung and spiraled through the air, a lifelike puppet cheetah followed his every move, creating a poetic and visually stunning performance that made the entire audience hold their breath.

The puppetry in LUZIA deserves special mention. The animals—ranging from a majestic horse to a playful cheetah—were brought to life with such detail and precision by Gerardo Ballester Franzoni and Andrii Lytvak that they almost seemed real. The artistry and craftsmanship behind these puppets added a layer of magic to the performance, making it all the more immersive.

Of course, no Cirque du Soleil show would be complete without its clown, and Eric Koller did not disappoint. His comedic timing and playful antics had the audience in stitches. He even found a way to bring lightheartedness to the rain scenes, creating moments of surprise and laughter that provided the perfect balance to the high-energy acrobatics.

Overall, LUZIA is a perfect fusion of art, technology, and emotion. The integration of water effects, the breathtaking acrobatics, and the captivating puppetry all came together to create a performance that was truly unique. The set design, led by Eugenio Caballero, was equally impressive, from the iconic rotating disk symbolizing the sun and moon to the beautiful Papel Picado curtains, which told their own story with intricate designs that echoed the heart of Mexican culture.

If you’re in Sydney, don’t miss this show. LUZIA is a Cirque du Soleil experience you won’t soon forget—an immersive, heart-stopping spectacle that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible under the Big Top.