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With its world premiere in April 2016, LUZIA, Cirque du Soleil’s 28th production to date is ready to dazzle Vancouver audiences under the big top at Concord Pacific Place.

LUZIA takes you to an imaginary Mexico, where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul, a surreal journey through a rich and vibrant world suspended somewhere between dreams and reality.

A total 115 people from 25 countries are part of this touring cast and crew.

Via stunning sets, costumes, acrobatic performance and music, LUZIA explores various themes linked to the culture, mythology, history and flora and fauna of Mexico.

Mexico’s geography is diverse; rain plays a role in the collective consciousness and has a narrative force all its own. LUZIA enchants audiences by incorporating rain into acrobatic and artistic scenes – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.

Travelling through the country, visitors can experience the refreshing showers of Coyoacán (an iconic neighborhood at the heart of Mexico City), the torrential rains that sweep across Baja California and the plentiful autumn rains, which can come on suddenly and violently.

Integrating the element of water inside the big top was a huge technical challenge: For starters, the water must be filtered, disinfected and maintained at a constant 28°C (82°F) for the well-being of the artists.

All 6,000 litres (1,585 gallons) of water used during the performance are recycled for the entire duration of a stay in each touring city. As well, the metal-based infrastructure elements and electrical and electronic equipment (including lighting and sound equipment) installed close to water must be protected from electric shock.

A bridge suspended 14 meters (46 feet) above the stage supports the water reserve as well as a set of 174 nozzles which can be individually controlled to create two-dimensional images using water droplets and blank spaces.

[LUZIA’s contortionist Alexey Goloborodko will blow your mind!]

The water in the basin is channeled to an external 2,500-litre (660-gallon) tank where it is treated and pumped up to the bridge 17 meters (56 feet) above the stage. Pretty impressive for a touring production, and that doesn’t even begin to cover the amazing acts we watched on opening night.

Another first for Cirque, LUZIA’s big top features printed patterns directly related to the theme of the show, expressing the link between Cirque du Soleil (the sun) and Mexico (originating from mtztli, meaning ‘moon,” and Xuctli, which means ‘middle’). Together, these symbolize the meeting of two celestial bodies: the sun and the moon.

This Cirque production is the most cohesive we’ve seen to date. From start to finish, the acts and interludes flow seamlessly. The rotating stage (and some of the props) allow the audience to enjoy the acts from nearly all vantage points.

Even the waterfall with its gorgeous, integrated patterns flows in a rotating format. This was just one of the many delights we discovered during the show.

One moment, the audience is transported on a flight to Mexico, the next, they’re privy to a film set at the beach, waves included.

The spirit of Mexico is alive and well inside the world of LUZIA and between the costumes (courtesy of Costume Designer Giovanna Buzzi), sets (from the wizardry of Set Designer Eugenio Caballero and team) and music (Composed by Simon Carpentier), you’re in for a treat to delight all the senses.

LUZIA’s run date in Vancouver has been extended to December 29, so you can gift a pair of tickets or enjoy the fun through the holiday week. Tickets start at $54 plus fees.

Following Vancouver, LUZIA continues its world tour in London and Moscow.

Photos © Matt Beard 2016 Cirque du Soleil.