By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

An experience for the senses, Koozå – the Cirque du Soleil show found in Santa Monica – tells the story of a loner known as the Innocent. Childlike in his demeanor, a kite by his side, he desires to find his place in the world. After receiving a mysterious package he opens it to find a huge Jack in the Box – but it is not Jack who ultimately pops out but a character known as the Trickster. The Trickster brings color to the world of the Innocent and it is through his relationship with the Trickster that the Innocent ultimately realizes the opportunities that surround him.

But the performance is so much more than that.

Koozå shares the story of the Innocent’s journey by reaching back to Cirque du Soleil’s roots. It combines two of its most endearing traditions: acrobatic performance and clowning. The clowning aspect of the performance can be found in the behavior of the King, the Tourist and the Handyman. The King, ruler of Koozå, is more of a buffoon than royalty and the Tourist and the Handyman play nicely off of his antics.

With his sophisticated ways the Trickster entices the Innocent while at the same time keeps his eyes on him so that nothing bad happens to him.

Mixed in with the story telling are acrobatic performances that dazzle. From seeing a trio of female contortionists bend in ways that don’t seem – well, right – to watching two performers conquer the wheel of death, the traditional circus-like components of Cirque du Soleil are very satisfying … and breath-taking. Oftentimes the sharp intake of breath by fellow audience members could be heard.

Two singers – the Indian Singer Kathryn Holtkamp in the first act and the Soul Singer Joanie Goyette in the second – add a layer to the show that ties together the story and acrobatic performances. And instead of relying only on death-defying stunts, which include a high-wire act and balancing on chairs, the costumes for Koozå add to the overall story. For example, a “rat cape” is used at the beginning of the Skeleton Dance. It contains fake-fur rats that have crystal eyes; they run down the performer’s body and exit into a trap door. Startling to be sure.

But the costumes also accentuate the strength of the performers. The form-fitting outfits worn by the contortionists, for example, make it impossible for anything to be hidden – what the audience sees the trio doing is actually what the trio is doing. And the strength – not mention the focus – of the performer who balances on the tower of chairs is evident from the moment he steps on the stage.

Overall Koozå is a joy to behold that leaves its audience with one question: How did they do that?

Koozå can be found next to Santa Monica Pier through Jan. 5. Tickets can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/4u8vfx6v.