Mexican circus Troupe Reimagines Mayan Mythology in Stunning New Production
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A captivating blend of circus arts and theater is bringing ancient Mayan stories to life on stage, offering audiences a unique perspective on themes of life, death, and rebirth. The production, titled “Somersault to Xib’alb’a,” is the brainchild of Mexican artistic director Jorge Díaz, who sought to reconnect with his ancestral heritage through storytelling.
Díaz’s journey began with sharing myths from the Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Maya, with his son. Instead of traditional children’s tales, he immersed his child in stories of indigenous origin, sparking a creative vision that would eventually become “Somersault to Xib’alb’a.” “Returning to those stories is important,” Díaz explained, recalling how his grandmother instilled in him a love for indigenous heritage. “There are a lot of pre-Hispanic stories that are very lovely and that are suddenly forgotten.”
A Journey to the Underworld
The play centers on the story of the Mayan hero twins, Hunahpú and Ixbalanqué, and their perilous journey to the Mayan Underworld, known as Xib’alb’a. In the original myth, the twins confront and ultimately defeat death, transforming into the Sun and the Moon. Díaz’s adaptation utilizes acrobatics and ritualistic elements to visually represent this epic tale.
“We looked for how to give an identity to the work based on the circus, but I didn’t want it to be the pure trick, the stunning part,” Díaz said.”But rather that it was integrated with the story, with the characters, generating atmospheres.” The production premiered in 2023 and has as returned to the stage for new performances, featuring actor daniel Reyes portraying one of the twin heroes – a role he once envisioned for himself and his brother, who also stars in the adaptation.
Díaz ultimately relinquished the role to focus on the broader artistic vision, but found a new appreciation for his craft through observation. “the circus has this capacity to amaze,” he noted. “When I carry the girl who does the hair force, there are moments where I see the atmosphere, the lights and it feels like a ritual.” He believes the combination of music, lighting, and movement creates an immersive experience for the audience, blurring the lines between performance and reality. As marketing strategist Alba Vida observed, Tránsito Cinco’s work “changes that border between what the show is.”
Rebirth and the Mayan Perspective on Death
“Somersault to xib’alb’a” especially resonates with children and families, offering a visually stunning and accessible introduction to Mayan mythology. The play recounts the twins’ journey through the underworld, beginning with their unusual birth – their mother becoming pregnant after their father’s skull spits into her hand, symbolizing a transfer of life. The narrative follows their trials, including a fateful game against the lords of Xib’alb’a, their death, and their ultimate conversion.
Díaz emphasizes the Mayan understanding of death not as an ending, but as a transition and possibility for rebirth. “In the vision of the Mayans, death was not the end, but rather the possibility of rebirth,” he explained. “So when they are thrown into the fire as a sacrifice, they become the Sun and the Moon.” He believes conveying this perspective is as crucial as the technical execution of the performance. “There are many elements that can be taken from indigenous pre-Hispanic traditions and can be used for scenic portrayal with the circus,” he said. “Ways of how to use it, how to redefine it scenically.”
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