Mexican Circus Revives Ancient Maya Myth Through Performance

MEXICO CITY — A contemporary circus performance is bringing ancient Maya mythology back to life, captivating audiences with a blend of theater and acrobatics. Directed by Jorge Díaz, the show titled Mortal Leap into Xib’alb’a, inspired by the revered Popol Vuh, explores themes of death and rebirth through the legendary tale of hero twins Ixbalanqué and Hunahpú.

Díaz’s journey began with bedtime stories he shared with his son, choosing local myths over popular fairy tales. “Recalling those stories is important,” he noted, reflecting on the rich tapestry of pre-Hispanic narratives that often go overlooked. The myth recounts the twins’ perilous journey to the Maya underworld, where they confront death and emerge transformed.

The performance, which debuted in 2023, skillfully integrates circus arts with traditional storytelling. Díaz aimed to create a unique identity for the piece, stating, “The idea was for the techniques to blend with the story and the characters, creating atmospheres rather than just showcasing skills.”

Reviving Cultural Heritage through Circus Arts

The troupe presenting Mortal Leap into Xib’alb’a is Tránsito Cinco, co-founded by Díaz and fellow artist Jessica González two decades ago. Initially a theater company, it has evolved into a collective devoted to circus arts. “We wanted to find something that could connect theater with dance and the circus became a meeting place,” González explained, who also serves as a narrator in the performance.

The company’s current repertoire features 16 productions, each designed around a clear narrative. “Our shows are built around a theme or storyline,” González said. “We believe that circus arts can also be a way to say something, whether it’s about social issues or any other subject.”

Their mission to intertwine artistry with powerful narratives is encapsulated in Somnia, a documentary reflecting on the company’s history and vision. Director Arely Cantellano remarked, “This is one of the most influential art forms I’ve ever witnessed. It opens those doors to many different arts and invites us all to take part.”

Díaz has an integral role in ensuring the safety of performers, particularly during high-risk acts such as hair suspension, where Yareli Reyes performs while suspended by her hair. Originally envisioning the role for himself, Díaz stepped back to focus on directing, allowing his brother to take on the main character instead.

“I love that fragment of the Popol Vuh,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of presenting these stories on stage alongside his family. “It felt important to me to create it onstage together.” His decision to relinquish the role enables him to engage with the performance from a different perspective, which he finds enriching.

Creating an Immersive Experience

The performance lasts one hour and takes audiences on a journey between the living realm and the underworld. It begins with the twins’ birth, symbolizing life’s cyclical nature, and culminates in their transformation after facing death. “Under the Mayan worldview, death is not an ending, but a chance to be reborn,” Díaz explained. The twins’ sacrifice leads them to become the Sun and Moon in the myth’s resolution.

Díaz emphasizes that conveying the Maya perspective on death and rebirth is as vital as ensuring the safety of his performers. “There are many elements from pre-Hispanic Indigenous traditions that can be brought into circus performance,” he stated. “Ways to use them, reinterpret them and give them new meaning onstage.”

The performances have garnered praise, with marketing strategist Alba Vida expressing admiration for the innovative approach that Tránsito Cinco employs. “I love circus arts because, within them, the frontier with entertainment shifts,” she remarked after a recent showcase of their work.

As Díaz’s son grows older, the legacy of their shared stories lives on through this vibrant performance, which remains accessible to families and children, allowing the rich mythology of the Maya to resonate with new generations.