Cirque du Soleil – Zaia

Tonight I went to Macau’s Venetian Macao, Cotai Strip to watch Canada’s Cirque du Soleil’s latest permanent show, Zaia.

I had always planned to watch the show, but did not get around to buying tickets. A friend of mine had tickets that she could not use, so I bought them. But I was not able to choose the seats.

For Cirque du Soleil shows I normally like to seat about 20 rows from the stage on center, this time my tickets were 2 rows from the stage and off center. Although, I get a real close look at the performers, but it was too close.

Cirque du Soleil shows are designed so that seats near the back of the theater are still good seats, so being too close to the stage is actually a disadvantage. Where I was seating because I was too close to the stage there were actually performance near the back of the stage I cannot see. So if you had not purchase your tickets I suggest you purchase tickets behind row O and center.

Like all Cirque du Soleil shows, you should not be late to this one either. For those who had not been to a Cirque du Soleil show, this is a show geared mostly for adults and there are usually no animals in any of the acts.

The performers’ acts are quit different from the typical acrobatics you see at other shows and regular circus. The choreography are carefully designed to lend to the story telling of the whole show and theme. Each movements are planed and calculated, such that even the required movements for safety do not look out of place.

Like with all Cirque du Soleil performances there is always a ring leader and a main character. The ring leader is usually a crown like character that serves to distract the audience when the stage requires reconfiguring.

All of Cirque du Soleil’s stages are originally designed with state of the art mechanics, lightings and special effects, the Zaia stage at Venetian is no exception. In the past the stages are designed to be taken down and transported to the next venue thousands of miles away. For a permanent show, they are able to use more movable stages to lend to the transport of scenes, large props and performers throughout the show. This is the first time I’ve been to a Cirque permanent show; of which there are five in Las Vegas.

Even though I did not have the most ideal seats; in my opinion, it was a show not to be missed. I have seen almost all the Cirque du Soleil shows since 1992 and loved each one of them. There is always a surprise in each show that makes me wanting more. Zaia has that Cirque magic that gives you a happy feeling after the show.

Cirque du Soleil also built the largest trainer center outside of Montreal in Macau. Hopefully this means more travelling shows to come and originate in Asia.

2 Replies to “Cirque du Soleil – Zaia”

  1. I just saw the show 2 nights ago and my reaction was a combination of disappointment and being a bit P***ed Off. First the PO'ed portion. I too was too close. I booked two months ago, shortly after the show opened. I paid extra for the VIP package which included “premium” seats. I was in the front row – dead center and missed half of the acrobatics because the staging was elevated to where I did not have a view of the performers. I am amazed that in the construction of a $150 Million dollar theater, no one considered that the audience might actually want to see what is going on!The disappointment was over the lack of non-stop eye-catching action that I typically associate with a Cirque show. The program for the show outlines a detailed story that is supposedly taking place, but it is virtually impossible to really see any story line, just a bunch of routines that are poorly stitched together with a heavy focus on dancing that simply does not work for me. I will admit that the staging is phenomenal ( at least the parts that I could see at my vantage point). Overall; having seen this show, Nouvelle Experience, Mystere, O, Ka, Zumanity and Love, I would have to rate Zaia at the bottom for entertainment value. Based upon early reviews that I have read, this may change next week when I see Believe at the Luxor.

  2. I saw the Zaia show and was completely blown away. I have been living in China for 25 years and have seen at least 30 different circus troupes. But there is something different about this production. I can't quite put my finger on it. I guess you could say it was more genuinely sensitive in a poetic way. I agree that sitting in the middle of the theater is the best, especially for the suround sound speakers which amplify the live band and singers. Something most other circuses in these parts can't boast of.I recommend this show.

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