Shen Yun Performing Arts transported audience members in Sant Cugat, Spain back to ancient China on March 4 and 5. The company shares the beauty of Chinese history and values from before communism through music and dance.
“From here, we often view China in a stereotypical way. But in this show, you witness the diversity of that ancient culture. It’s that diversity that truly fills you. The sheer amount of magical sounds, the abundance of light, colors, movement, dynamism, and art, this is what truly overwhelmed me. Breaking free from the stereotype of communist China, the version they sell us, and experiencing a true show, a truly royal one, it’s truly magical,” said Yusil Gascon, an organization vice president.
“This show made me feel emotional at certain moments. The messages flash by and they are very important. These moments are key and they make you question things as a human. We who live here in the West are so comfortable in our lifestyle, so above all, I believe it is vital to talk about spirituality and religious freedom. I think that is the heart of this matter,” Sayde Chaling Chong García, a newspaper columnist.
Shen Yun, based in New York, tours the globe with the mission of reviving 5,000 years of rich Chinese heritage and virtues. Shen Yun’s performances also shine a light on the brutal persecution of faith in modern China under the Chinese Communist Party. The company cannot perform inside China because of its efforts to expose that persecution.
“Very terrible situations are taking place and I think it has to be made known, because it’s essential the West stops its romanticism of China. Especially the communist romanticism, and to stop romanticizing China,” said Mr. Chaling Chong García.
“Because when communism arrives in a country, the first thing it does is destroy tradition. To impose that ideology, it destroys the country. It destroys the foundations, the roots, it destroys values. And this show brings all of that back. Look at the values, every piece is a fable. Filled with values, with messages. Messages of love, of divinity, of tradition, of respect, of the strength of the warrior. The entire show represents everything they have tried to destroy. So it is crucial that we see this China,” said Ms. Gascon.
“When they said that the students studied in New York, I was so surprised that they weren’t studying in China. I kind of felt like, it’s a Chinese show, they should. But finding out that they’re not allowed to is really heartbreaking. Considering the whole world is embracing the culture so much. And the people from their own country can’t see it and witness it. Because I’m sure it would mean so much to them when their grandparents and their lineage have lived through these eras and been a part of it. And it’s shut off from them,” said Yanka Clementi, a business owner.
“I would tell them not to miss the chance to know the true China, because this is true China. The other is a trick of evil that the world should wake up to. All the free nations of the world should wake up to that trick of evil, which is the Chinese Communist Party. Let us not confuse Chinese citizens with the Chinese Communist Party, which subjugates them,” said Mr. Chaling Chong García.
Shen Yun will perform in Sevilla, Spain, from March 18 through 20.
NTD News, Sant Cugat, Spain
NTD is a media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts, covering audience reactions since 2006.
From NTD News
