Shen Yun performed at the Orix Theater in Osaka this week. The New York-based company incorporates classical Chinese dance, music, costume, and visual backdrops to take theatergoers on a journey through 5,000 of Chinese history.
“The expressive power of dramatic dance is very strong. It turns out that these can be expressed with the body without using any words. I am happy and find it novel. The dance is both elegant and humorous, which is really interesting,” said Toshihiko Kawaguchi, a vice principal at a Japanese academy.
Hina Marika is a former actress and opera singer for the OSK Japanese Opera Company. She said: “The live orchestra is powerful. [It’s] perfectly integrated with the dance and has a touch of mystery which is magnificent. This is the first time I have heard a tenor singing live. I thought it’s very powerful.”
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive traditional culture and values such as spirituality—which is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese history. It also shines a light on modern-day China, including social pieces that depict human rights abuses under China’s current communist rule.
“I think it is very important to convey the truth. It would be great if the show could be performed in China and around the world,” said Tetsuto Nakata, president of a nursing service company.
Hirofumi Isogawa, managing director of Centenary Construction Company, said: “I feel that the performers must have gone through hard training. And about Chinese culture, I feel their strong will to revive and show the lost culture.”
“The new generation of young people should think about the good and the bad of their culture, and live their lives accordingly. Only by carrying forward the good parts can the evil parts be restrained,” said Chihiro Akiyama, chairman of Industrial Co., Ltd.
