Story by Ken Panton

Add Macau to the list of world-class entertainment destinations that are homes to permanent Cirque du Soleil extravaganzas. In exciting Las Vegas and Orlando, tickets to the shows are in high demand and with ZAIA, which is possibly the most dazzling show ever produced in Asia, tickets will be highly coveted. This brand new 90-minute mega-production brings together 75 high-calibre artists from all four corners of the globe.

ZAIA is the dream of a young girl who journeys into space on a strange, yet familiar voyage of self-discovery. As she travels, she encounters the beauty of humanity and eventually brings it back with her to share with the inhabitants of earth. ZAIA presents a young girl’s perception of the stars and planets, space and infinity, all populated by a chorus of fantastic, literally out-of-this-world creatures. The title, ZAIA, comes from a Greek name meaning “life” and is also reminiscent of “Gaia,” the living, self-aware, spirit of earth. ZAIA is a show that highlights dance, movement, and aerial acrobatics, soaring to the farthest reaches of space and human beauty.

Nearly universally, patrons in the audience instantly identify with Zaia the main character, a young dreamer with both her heart and her imagination open to all that her discovery will bring. In her imaginary celestial journey she follows in the footsteps of her parents and she encounters love. "Her odyssey leads her to take a fresh look at the beauty of earth and the humans who live there", in the words of the creators at Cirque du Soleil.

At the beginning of her voyage Zaia meets a young Romeo, a spectator, and the plot insists that he spends time searching for her until they come together.  In their stunning rendezvous the young lovers are united. They are united on stage and soon they are overhead and behind you. Suspended by straps, the young lovers duet is sensual and exciting.

The show is a stunner; the plot engaging and the sensitive and silly clowns that accompany Zaia on her journey are fascinating. So fascinating in fact that a second viewing of the show is recommended with a focus on the secondary characters.