MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican artistic director Jorge Díaz used to have a unique selection of bedtime stories for his son. Setting aside well-known books like “Pinocchio,” they read tales closer to home.

The Mayan mythology comes to life through the story told in the Popol Vuh, focusing on the Hero Twins and their journey. The narrative follows their trials in the underworld and their ultimate victory ...

Circus as ritual Aside from adapting the Maya myth and directing fellow artists, one of Díaz’s jobs in “Mortal Leap into Xib’alb’a” is rigging work. That is, as Yareli Reyes performs while being ...