Perth Reviews

The name of the show is drawn from luz (light in Spanish) and illuvia (rain), two of the most pivotal elements in this production. 

Riffing off all things make-believe Mexican, and it's pretty broad brush interpretation, Luzia is a smorgasbord of visual treats, jaw-dropping acrobatics and lush choreography. 

Clad in a variety of costumes, amazing masks and sumptous head dresses, the cast performed in front of a huge circular backdrop. This was cleverly lit to create multiple colourful changes in time and place, for example the blazing sun and later on a jungle setting. Early on we were treated to a flock of birds who fluttered and in gorgeous feathered capes. 

Luzia also demonstrated new (to me) extraordinary puppetry skills, utilizing a group of three performers inhabiting large scale personas. One was a big armour clad silver horse and later on in the show, a leopard!

Continuity was provided by the frequent appearance of a narrator, also a brilliant clown, who served to link the acts. After a deep decent from the top of the tent he engaged the audience skilfully communicating only on his whistle. Vying different sides of the huge crowd to compete for his approval.

Another linking presence was that of a Mexican Monarch butterfly, wowing the audience with her gigantic, vivid orange wings controlled by assisting cast members.

There are too many individual acts to mention here but some of the more outstanding and memorable were an amazingly supple contortionist who tied himself in knots. I found his skill fabulous but personally difficult to watch. There was a fantastic acrobat who performed brilliantly on high and then descended to a pool which magically appeared centre stage, seemingly as a result of previous showers of light and rain from above.

The final part of the second half of the show featured some amazing work on elevated swings, setting up a matching rhythm with two artists controlling the planks that swung from high metal supports. They then invited other artists, one by one, to join them on the planks. After many practise swings, the new acrobat would then launch across the divide only to land on the opposite swing. Breathtakingly tense to observe, as they leapt higher and higher. Miraculous timing and skill.

An absolutely stunning show!