Cirque du Soleil brings world-renowned LUZIA show to Australia

Cirque du Soleil star Helena Merten set to star in the acclaimed LUZIA production in Australia, fulfilling a childhood dream

Cirque du Soleil performer Helena Merten, 28, will be realising a childhood dream when she stars in the internationally acclaimed LUZIA production on home soil early next year.

Hailing from the Gold Coast, Helena has already travelled through parts of the America, Europe and Asia with LUZIA, which is the first touring production to incorporate rain into acrobatic and artistic scenes. The Australian tour kicks off in Melbourne in March 2024 and due to overwhelming demand 15 new shows have been added to that city’s schedule, before moving on to Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney.

Australia’s Helena Merten is one of the lead artist’s in LUZIA, Cirque du Soleil., Pictures: Supplied

“I had dreamt of being in the circus since I was seven years old,” she said. “I’ve been on the road for so long, I started doing overseas shows when I was 18, so it’s great to come home to Australia and have all my family and friends finally see what I have been doing and why I’ve been away for the last 10 years.”

Helena has been with LUZIA since 2017 playing the Running Woman in the production, which is currently showing in South Korea. She is part of an 120 person ensemble from 26 different countries.

Helena Merten is coming home to perform in LUZIA after ten years abroad. Pictures: Supplied

LUZIA is set in a make-believe Mexico with sets taking audiences from the beach to the arid desert. In total there are 1,000 pieces of costume seen on stage.

“We have a rain curtain and a pool and for a travelling show to have something like that is pretty incredible. It’s really bright and vibrant, so it’s great for any age and kids will love it because of all the animals.”

Originally published as Cirque du Soleil brings world-renowned LUZIA show to Australia