Shen Yun performed in Auckland’s Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre from April 20-23. Theatergoers said that they were uplifted by Shen Yun’s portrayal of traditional Chinese culture.
Winston Peters, New Zealand’s former deputy prime minister and head of the New Zealand First political party, said he saw the true culture of China while watching Shen Yun on April 20.
“And I’m no expert but if you’ve ever studied Chinese history then it’s multidimensional in that spiritual context, going way back thousands and thousands of years, and that’s the significance of what was being demonstrated tonight, that there is an alternative view,” Mr. Peters said.
“It’s top rate, top line, in terms of their abilities and their skills.”
Since 2006, Shen Yun has performed at top theaters worldwide with a mission to revive China’s 5,000-year-old traditional culture.
Duane Wichman-Evans, director of Oystar Creative said Shen Yun’s mission is “a beautiful vision,” after watching the performance on April 21.
Tony Brunt, founder of the New Zealand Values Party, Shen Yun presents a different side to modern China.
“In the modern age, one tends to see Chinese culture as essentially a consumerist culture, an atheist culture, and it’s so good to see that it’s much, much more than that,” Mr. Brunt said on April 21.
For over 70 years, the communist party has sought to destroy China’s traditions, which make up a culture believed to be inspired by the heavens.
“We’ve always known why that happens, [it’s] because autocracies and dictatorships cannot stand contrast, you’ve always known that, all around the world. Doesn’t matter whether it’s Asia or Europe or South America, freedom is about choice, and that’s the problem here,” Mr. Peters said.
Mr. Brunt added that the revival of the “spiritual dimension to life” is important.
“I think cultural performances like this go a long way to assist with that,” Mr. Brunt said.
Mr. Wichman-Evans said he felt “light” after watching Shen Yun.
“I feel really inspired, I feel light, light, I have lots of energy, I feel like I have to go out and do something else beyond this now.”
The stop in Auckland follows five sold-out shows in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Shen Yun will continue its world tour in Sydney and Canberra.
NTD News, Auckland, New Zealand
