College Professor: Shen Yun ‘Visual effects were astounding’

TAINAN, Taiwan—Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company presented its second performance in Tainan, a city well-known for its ancient history and modesty, on the evening of March 15, earning thunderous applause from its audience.

Among the audience members was Dr. Ying-I Tsai, professor of the Department of Environmental Resources Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Science. Watching Shen Yun for the first time, he said delightfully, “Amazing! Fantastic!”

Eager to share his delight in the performance, Dr. Tsai said: “We marveled at the excellent timing of each movement! That is, it looked like he [the performer] flew [down from the backdrop], and then appeared [on the stage]. This visual effect is indeed remarkable! Take the program Sand Monk is Blessed for example. The instant they [performers] hit the river, the water splashed [on the backdrop]. And the figures flew out and in [the backdrop] … The coordination between the animated backdrop and the performers is of great accuracy.”

Dr. Tsai was also impressed with the singing performances. “The singers were excellent. In particular, the lyrics by the soprano took me away. The lyrics are generally about most of us being Kings in the Heaven, descending down to the world to save our people. I felt touched about it.” He added, “The deep timbre of the tenor’s voice really amazed me, and deeply touched me.”

Dr. Tsai talked about the first program in which gods descended to the world to create the 5,000 years of civilization, saying, “The visual effects were astounding.”

About the essence of ancient Chinese culture presented by Shen Yun, Dr. Tsai said, “In the program about Sand Monk and Tang Monk, once entrusted by the Goddess of Mercy with a mission, they were devoted joint efforts to it. I can sense an indication of ‘trust’ and ‘justice.'”

When it comes to dance, Dr. Tsai said: “I think the performers perform to perfection. Masculinity of male performers matches femininity of female performers. Manliness is particularly displayed in the program about Shaolin Monks; female dancers in Ancient Elegance spinning with long water sleeves visualize feminine grace and gentleness, like willows dancing and swaying in the wind.”

“If Shen Yun tours to Tainan next time, I hope my friends can come to watch such a wonderful show!” he concluded.

Shen Yun is at the Pinnacle of Art

Vice Chairman of the National Cheng Kung University Alumni Association, Jim Hwang, praised Shen Yun Performing Arts saying it has reached the pinnacle of art. Having been introduced to Shen Yun several times by friends, Mr. Hwang was happy that he finally made it to the evening performance on March 15 at Tainan Municipal Cultural Center.

The Long Lost Memory

Also a director of an architect firm, Mr. Hwang appreciated the structure of the program. He said, “I was very moved. The program is very nicely designed and organized. They have vividly manifested the essence of ancient Chinese dance.”

Jim Hwang explained the reasons why he was moved by Shen Yun’s program. “First of all, the inspirational dances and stories have originated from the profound Chinese history and culture; secondly, thanks to Shen Yun for their effort in choreography and programs, they have allowed me to say out loud that Shen Yun is the pride of the Chinese.”

He particularly mentioned that Shen Yun has helped him to find the memory he seemed to have lost. “Their entire program is touching. In particular, I had forgotten the story about Sand Monk. But the program Sand Monk Is Blessed brings back the memory … the memory that it was a wonderful story.”

An Energy Replenishing

Mr. Hwang excitedly detailed what he called the energy replenishing effect during watching Shen Yun’s performance. He said: “I became very energetic after watching Shen Yun. I was replenished by the atmosphere and I was able to enjoy it for a very long time. The vitality of the performers, the spirit, and the stories have relaxed my busy life. It was very worthwhile to share some time with a program as wonderful as this. It is absolutely refreshing!”

“I was able to let go the difficulty and frustration at work after watching the show. This performance has helped to purify and retreat my thoughts.”

He continued, “We should be able to observe things at different angles, for instance, from the angle of history. The piece, The Emperor Journeys to the Moon, brings such a beautiful feeling. It amazed me for how life can be so changing.”

Lastly, Mr. Hwang mentioned how much he’d like to introduce Shen Yun to all his friends and acquaintances. He said, “I will recommend Shen Yun to the alumni associations of Cheng Kung University and Jia Li Elmentary. I will tell them they will be very happy with the show. Shen Yun is the best in the world. With a new program every year, I believe Shen Yun is challenging itself every year, and has reached the pinnacle of art!”

Read original Chinese articles. [1] [2]

Reporting by Huang Jiexuan, Amy Lien, Li’e Huang and Jenny Li.

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org

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