Shen Yun Performing Arts hit the stage at the Grand Theatre de Provence in Aix-En-Provence in the south of France on March 4 and 5. The company’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of Chinese culture and values from before communism.
“A live orchestra is priceless. It’s extraordinary in terms of the music, and the conductor was just majestic. And then there was this combination of everything that’s ancient and profound with this very modern backdrop, that brings us up to date with today’s technology, and I thought it was magnificent, really. A show I highly recommend,” said Sophie Fanucchi, a former classical dancer.
“Fantastic. I really had a great time. I love all the sets and costumes. Everything is fabulous and surprising at the same time, very pleasant to watch,” said Rémy Christian, the owner of Bijouterie Horlogerie Christian Remy.
“A lot of emotion from the dancers. And the stories are traditional, too. Very well performed. Beautiful show, very beautiful show,” said Jean-Michel Abisst, head of overseas operations for AXA Insurances.
Through classical Chinese dance and music, Shen Yun shines a light on the roots of Chinese culture and spirituality. But it also exposes the grim reality of modern-day communist China, and the persecution of faith groups such as Falun Gong.
“There’s quite a bit of—learning about Chinese culture. I didn’t know about the persecution of certain ideas. So the lack of freedom of expression really had a profound impact on me,” said David Faure, the managing director of KDAB France.
“Today we really forget the divine and we actually find ourselves in certain scenes where we actually have rising communism that makes us feel a little sick to our stomachs,” said Guy Kieffer, a retired business owner.
“What I felt above all was freedom, at last! We need to find freedom again. And indeed, in this show, we find this important desire, and I think it is very communicative about the fact,” said Anthony Fanucchi, the CEO of Maxime MG.
Audience members said they took home themes like kindness and truth from the performance.
“We feel a lot of emotions, because that’s a mix that brings back values that we really lack a lot nowadays. Goodness, acceptance of others, kindness, patience—these are things we no longer have,” said Ms. Fanucchi.
“And there’s something universal about the virtues it highlights. Loyalty, truth, courage, all those things are things in which we can identify, of course,” said Mr. Faure.
Shen Yun will return to Aix-En-Provence on April 10, set to perform seven shows throughout that week.
NTD News, Aix-En-Provence, France
