What is JOYÀ? Let’s put it this way: Playa del Carmen has never seen anything quite like this before! JOYÀ is a production set in the heart of the Riviera Maya. This groundbreaking production by Cirque du Soleil combines a mesmerizing dinner experience with a unique show, making it a must-see destination for those visiting Mexico.
The Unique Culinary and Performance Experience at JOYÀ
JOYÀ isn’t just a show; it’s an experience made to delight all the senses: sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch. Combining Cirque du Soleil’s artistry with a gourmet dining experience, JOYÀ offers an unforgettable blend of dinner and entertainment.
The interactive theater setting allows audiences to journey alongside the performers, elevating this show in the Riviera Maya to an event that engages the senses. VidantaWorld’s JOYÀ Theater hosts this one-of-a-kind experience that has redefined entertainment in Mexico.
Setting the Stage in the Riviera Maya Jungle
One aspect that helps make this experience so unique is that JOYÀ’s enchanting theater is nestled in the Riviera Maya jungle. This lush setting creates an organic ambiance that’s breathtaking to behold while adding to Cirque du Soleil’s vibrant performance.
A part of the VidantaWorld resort, this open-air venue is made to seamlessly blend in with the lush tropical foliage. Then, there’s the cenotes.
Cenotes are natural caves formed over thousands and thousands of years, indigenous to the region. As a result, the set design team felt it was a fitting tribute to the beauty of Mexico to include pools that reimagine the beauty and lusciously complex Mayan jungle from the resort.
The Story and Themes of JOYÀ
What can you expect from JOYÀ? Here, we’ll tell you everything you wanted to know about JOYÀ, including what characters you’ll meet and what inspired the story behind this performance.
The Story of JOYÀ: A Granddaughter’s Journey of Discovery
The story of JOYÀ is one of family, of life, and of Mexican culture. JOYÀ is our protagonist. She is a rebellious teenage girl who embarks upon a thrilling and magical journey into the depths of the jungle so she can get to know the world her grandfather, a great alchemist, inhabits.
The old alchemist longs to pass on his knowledge to his granddaughter. With the help of extraordinary creatures known as Masters, he and JOYÀ explore their family history, the culture that inspires them, and the traditions they share. This adventure brings her closer than ever to her beloved grandfather.
Inspirations from Mexican Culture and the Monarch Butterfly’s Migration
Show writer and director Martin Genest wanted JOYÀ to pay tribute to the history and culture of Mexico in a way that felt free of stale clichés and stereotypes. The show makes subtle references to facets of Mexican culture.
An example of this lies in its visuals. Lovers of Frida Kahlo and Diego Riviera may recognize allusions to their artwork, specifically with the vines, giant flower, and jungle. Masked wrestlers, mariachis, pirate legends, horror films, underwater sculptures (referencing the work of artist Jason deCaires Taylor) were all sources of inspiration.
But a major point of reference was the migration of monarch butterflies, representing the unique connection between Canada and Mexico (much like this show does, too). Every autumn, millions of butterflies journey from southern points in Canada to central Mexico, where they hibernate in for the winter. But only monarchs born in late summer and early fall head south and return home.
By the time migration begins again the following winter, several generations will have lived and died during the summer. The grandchildren of the previous year’s travelers will set out on the long journey south.
These are just some of the references that celebrate the beauty and vibrancy of Mexican culture you’ll encounter in JOYÀ.
Characters and Performers of JOYÀ
Every Cirque du Soleil story is told through the eyes of curious, inquisitive, passionate, daring, and courageous characters. JOYÀ is no different. Here, we’ll introduce you to the wondrous individuals who make up the cast and the talented performers who bring their journeys to life.
Meet the Vibrant Characters of JOYÀ
- Zelig, the Grandfather: Our protagonist’s grandfather, and an all-knowing alchemist who’s made it his mission to collect the universe’s secrets.
- JOYÀ, the Teenager: The show’s protagonist—a young girl on a daring quest.
- The Bird, Master of Archives: An assistant to Zelig, and the character who collects and preserves all of life’s information.
- The Lemur, Master of Entomology: Another of Zelig’s assistant, the Entomologist is a scientist specializing in the study of insects.
- The Ram, Master of Alchemy: One of the Masters who seeks to purify and perfect materials.
- The Cat, Master of Botany: Another Master, and expert in all things plant life.
- The Iguana, Master Physicist: You guessed it—also a Master. The Physicist studies physics and matter and energy.
- The Rabbit, Master of Time: This is the ruler over all space and time.
- The Master of Water: The Master of Water is an expert in all things aquatic. Her portion of the show is expressed via the hand-balancing act (more on that below).
Highlighting the Talent: Aerial Acts, Trapeze, and Acrobatics
JOYÀ’s performers are celebrated for their high-energy, world-class talent, whether that’s their jaw-dropping acrobatic displays or mesmerizing aerial acts. Here’s just a glimpse of what you can expect from our vibrant, amazing performers.
The show features trapeze artists, hand-balancers, and other highly skilled performers who push the boundaries of physical artistry. It’s destined to be a magical night in Riviera Maya in the company of a world-class Cirque du Soleil show.
Signature Acts and Performances
With JOYÀ, like all Cirque du Soleil performances, seeing is believing. Check out some of the majestic performances you can expect to see at the show.
The Spectacular Acts of JOYÀ
Here are some of the mesmerizing performances you can expect to see at the show.
Aerial straps: In the aerial straps performance, audiences look on as artists take to the sky twist, spin, and soar through the air. With pulsing movements, these performers intertwine gracefully to create a mesmerizing performance that takes place way, way up.
Icarian Games: The Icarian Games act is a showcase of teamwork and coordination, and something you’ll see on full display at JOYÀ. Inspired by a traditional circus act, the success of the Icarian Games relies on a “base” and a “flier” to pull off new tricks and gravity-defying feats.
Hand-balancing act: The Master of Water performs a hand-balancing act atop slender supports. But instead of being on the stage, far away from audiences, JOYÀ’s hand-balancing act brings the action front and center.
The supports are positioned on top of one of the VIP tables. As a result, our brilliant performer delicately balances on special platforms installed at the center of the table, hovering above guests and holding different poses and contortion movements. It’s a level of intimacy rarely seen in Cirque du Soleil performances.
Trapeze act: JOYÀ’s solo trapeze acts happen against a dark backdrop, recreating the beauty and infinite expanse of the night sky. All your eyes can fixate on is the trapeze artist, performing marvelous sticks that dazzle and delight.
Musical Highlights: A Unique Soundtrack Mixing Mexican Jazz and Contemporary Sounds
Like all Cirque du Soleil shows, the soundtrack is such a major part of the experience. Composed by the highly talented team of Bob & Bill, the soundtrack uses a cinematic approach that follows our adventurers along on their journey.
Bob & Bill drew influences from many different musical genres including Mexican jazz and Mariachi to create a score that mixes a variety of sounds, resulting in a warm and melodic soundtrack. You’ll no doubt hear a ton of trumpet, a signature instrument of Mexican music. Catchy melodies and vibey sounds are just some of what you’ll hear over dinner and drinks.
Visual Feasts: Stunning Costumes and Set Design Transforming the Stage
The costumes of JOYÀ are a tapestry of vibrant colors and rich textures. That’s what makes this production such a feast for the eyes. To bring elements of Mexican culture to the main stage, the costume design team, led by the brilliant James Lavoie, took inspiration from different places.
Though the show feels like it’s taking place in the past, it also feels ultra-modern. For this, Lavoie felt like the costumes would play a necessary part in showcasing this evolution from past to future.
For his part, Zelig was inspired by Don Quixote, Charles Darwin, Leonardo Davinci and other great, intelligent thinkers from across the years. His costume therefore combines both vintage and contemporary aesthetics. His garments are inspired by scientific and naturalist drawings, lightly printed onto his costume.
Similarly, each of the Masters’ costumes are inspired by their unique area of expertise. For example, the Entomologist’s prints were inspired by old drawings of insects. The Master of Time’s outfit features sundial and meridian images. Astute viewers will notice that the subtle pleating on the Archivist’s dress looks like the pages of a book.
For the Master of Water, the artist dons an outfit that looks as though her body has been taken over by coral reef, a nod to the Mesoamerican Coral Barrier Reef in the Caribbean Sea, the second largest barrier reef in the world. To create this textured effect, designers hand-sewed pieces of fabric and textures.
Each of the Masters also sport animal heads, yet another way the production depicts the relationship between humans and the natural world. Cirque du Soleil has avoided as much as possible using live animals in their shows, casting humans in these roles instead.
How it’s made
To bring these wild visions to life, Lavoie relied on several tried-and-true techniques such as laser-cutting and printing as well as more old-school techniques like hand-painting on textile fabric, sewing, and use of lace.
Sublimation on neoprene was used for the hood that Joyà wears, creating a look that feels like a cloak from the Victorian era, with a slightly cyberpunk and futuristic look. Similarly, the fabric used for other characters in the show were dipped in black silicone, evoking a feeling of being shrouded in darkness.
Culinary Experience at JOYÀ
More than just entertainment, JOYÀ has your dinner for the evening covered. And it’s not just any dinner: this is a gourmet, three-course extravaganza inspired by the amazing flavors of Mexico. You’re in for a treat on all fronts.
The Show and Dinner Experience: Champagne, Appetizers, and Molecular Desserts
Dinner and a show? If you’re looking to enjoy a gourmet dining experience while you gaze up at the beauty of the circus on full display, then you’ve come to the right place.
The menu was meticulously crafted by Grupo Vidanta Executive Corporate Chef Alexis Bostelmann. All dishes are made with only the freshest, local ingredients that capture the vibrancy of both Mexican and international cuisine.
Themed Menus with Mexican Flavors, Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Chef Bostelmann envisioned a menu that looks as good as it tastes. The gastronomic experience is designed to be a delight for all your senses, inventive and flavorful. It all starts with the edible menu that guests can then break into pieces and dunk in a dip. A nature-filled breadbasket contains breads and crackers seasoned to perfection with fresh herbs and spices.
Is your mouth watering yet? Good. As for the main dishes themselves, they change with what’s in season. No matter what dinner experience you get, you’re sure to be amazed by the themed menus and thrilling Mexican flavors doing somersaults on your tongue with every bite.
If you’re bringing the little ones along, know that kids options are available, just notify your server once you’ve arrived. We also offer a vegetarian and vegan menu. If you have any allergies, please let your server know at the beginning of your experience. Gluten-free and other dietary substitutions can be made upon request!
The JOYÀ Theater and Setting
Call it an oasis in an oasis. See what makes experiencing JOYÀ at VidantaWorld Riviera Maya such an unforgettable treat.
Inside the JOYÀ Theater: An Intimate Setting in the Riviera Maya Jungle
The first thing you’ll notice is that the Cirque du Soleil Theatre rests above a massive lagoon that overlooks the sprawling Mayan Jungle. Strolling up its wooden walkway is like taking a trip to another universe or a completely gated-off setting. Everywhere you look, you see vegetation and trees. It’s a far cry from the energy of the city so many of us are accustomed to.
Architectural Inspiration from Natural Cenotes and Organic Jungle Forms
Show architect Arturo Hernández envisioned a stage that created a sense of unity with its surroundings, and the culture it draws inspiration from. For this reason, the architectural elements and aesthetics of JOYÀ celebrate the rich beauty of the Mayan jungle and its cenotes. Cenotes are naturally occurring sinkholes. The Ancient Mayan civilizations believed them to be sacred gateways to the afterlife. These elements feel very present in the theater setting.
The Theater at VidantaWorld Riviera Maya: Blending with Nature
Nature is such an important element of the JOYÀ narrative. As a result, it was necessary to preserve and respect the ecosystems that the theatre resides in. Construction in this region must adhere to stringent regulations. To preserve the natural habitat, a wooden walkway leading to the theatre was deliberately built above ground, allowing animals to pass freely underneath.
Uncover All the Secrets
Want to know more? Find out everything you need to know about JOYÀ and its captivating storylines!
Planning Your Visit to JOYÀ
Ready to experience JOYÀ up close and personal? Here’s what you need to know.
Ticketing Options
Headed to Riviera Maya and interested in catching JOYÀ? We’re excited to welcome you there! There are four options of tickets to choose from;
- The Show Only: Purchase tickets for the Show Only Experience and enjoy the option to buy drinks and fill up on popcorn from the bar.
- The Appetizers and Show Experience: Enjoy up to seven gourmet appetizers and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages before the show and premium seats with this ticketing experience.
- The Show and Dinner Experience: This option comes with a three-course premium seating and ½ a bottle of champagne per attendee. With this package, you also get early access to the show, we recommend arriving up to an hour before the performance begins. There is no service during the show, so make sure you have everything you need before it’s lights, camera, action.
- VIP Experience: This is the ticket to get if you want the full experience and enjoy the VIP treatment. You’ll get a welcome cocktail, a three-course dinner, and the best seats in the house with unlimited champagne.
Transportation and Accessibility: Roundtrip Options and Parking Information
Getting to and from the show is easy! Here are the modes of transportation available to our guests:
- Convenient bus transportation: Journey from your hotel or resort to VidantaWorld to catch a performance of JOYÀ. Designed to enhance the theater experience, the bus transportation offers pick-ups and drop-offs at Plaza Isla in the Cancún Hotel Zone, the Playacar Center in Playa del Carmen, and the downtown world.
- Colectivos (Shared transportation): If you’re looking to save money and split the cost of travel to JOYÀ with others, consider colectivos—a type of van typically shared by several riders. Availability varies by location, so please check with your hotel desk for details and pricing.
- Guests staying at Vidanta or VidantaWorld are entitled to purchase transportation service when booking their tickets.
Now that your transportation is covered, all you have to do is to get tickets and enjoy the show. We’ll take care of the rest!
Tips for Enjoying Your JOYÀ Experience: What to Wear, Best Times to Visit
Want to enjoy the JOYÀ experience to the fullest? Keep reading for our top tips for enhancing the experience to the fullest.
What to wear
Though you’re at a resort, we ask that you leave the bathing suits back in the hotel room! Because many guests of JOYÀ enjoy a three-course culinary experience, the dress code is casual formal. Find some inspiration in our What to Wear guide.
When to visit
JOYÀ is a year-round affair, so there’s no bad time to see the show. The top times to travel in Playa del Carmen are between November and April. During these months, Cancun tends to be cooler and drier, making for comfortable evenings. If you’re planning your trip in the summer, be prepared for warmer, more humid weather but…fewer crowds!
Tips from Other Visitors: How to Make the Most of JOYÀ
Want some advice from past attendees? Arrive early and indulge heartily. Sip and savor champagne and appetizers before the show starts for a dizzying experience you won’t soon forget. After all, this is a rare gem of an experience and squeezing the most you can out of life is exactly what JOYÀ is all about.
Media and Merchandise for JOYÀ
Long after the show’s over, let the memories live on through the media and merchandise of JOYÀ.
Visual and Audio Resources: Capturing the JOYÀ Experience
Want to revisit the magic of the JOYA? Thanks to official videos to JOYÀ’s soundtrack, you can! Browse our numerous online resources so you can relive their experience all over again. Be sure to share clips with your friends and family so that they, too, can get in on the action and excitement.
Exclusive JOYÀ Merchandise: Take Home a Piece of the Show
After the show, stock up on JOYÀ merchandise to bring home the memories with you. From apparel to home goods, you’re sure to find something you, or that special someone you love, can enjoy.
Official Social Media Channels and Community Engagement
Stay connected with JOYÀ long after the show’s over! Follow JOYÀ on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news, fan pics, and tons of other exclusive content. You can experience Cirque du Soleil all over again.