Shen Yun Performing Arts arrived in Perth, Australia, on March 19, performing in sold-out shows at His Majesty’s Theatre. Australian Politicians were delighted to experience a glimpse into China’s divinely inspired culture as it unfolded on stage.
“It was wonderful. I mean, I fought to get it here in Western Australia. And I’m delighted with the outcome. I mean, it’s a living, breathing manifestation of everything that Chinese culture is about. So I’m delighted to be here tonight,” said Hon. Peter Charles Collier MLC, leader of the opposition in the legislative council.
“It’s obviously very visual and fantastic choreography and costumes. So I think it can appeal to everyone,” said Hon. Wilson Tucker MLC, legislative council member for the mining and pastoral region.
The company showcases a wide range of dance pieces, from those inspired by ancient myths and legends to others focused on modern-day social issues tied to communist China’s persecution of faith.
“There remains a group of people within China who are persecuted, and unable to live their culture, their faith, and how they wish to live within China. It’s a sad reality that we continue to live in a world where we watch people suffering because of their beliefs,” said Tim Houweling, director of Cornerstone Legal.
“It’s obviously a point that is highlighted in the show, and I think it’s good that I guess the cinematographers haven’t shied away from that fact, and they’ve really highlighted it as one of the central pieces. So it’s something that I think we all should be more cognizant of here in Australia, in WA,” said Mr. Tucker.
Traditional Chinese culture is rooted in spirituality, Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of culture and values from before communism.
“The 5,000 years of culture, I think, have largely been overcome after the Cultural Revolution within China. And so we don’t get to understand the full context of the depth of Chinese culture, the depth of their humanity, as well as the depth of their spirituality,” said Mr. Houweling.
“I know about the cultural revolution and I know that part of what Shen Yun is about is to try and reestablish that history that the CCP has tried to eliminate, and to try to reconnect the past with the present now, and to inform people about that. So to see it, bring it from that position in the past to what’s actually happening now. I think that’s very, very powerful,” said Phil Twiss, the candidate for the East Metropolitan Region legislative council.
“I think when you try and stifle culture, you start trying [to] stifle thoughts, you stifle life. And what you’ve got here is Chinese culture and Chinese life. … So the fact that that is so poignant in tonight’s performance is an example of exactly why Shen Yun has got to keep going, it’s got to be global. It’s got to go right around the world. And it’s got to be consistent,” said Mr. Collier.
Shen Yun will next perform at the Weiwuying Opera House in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from March 26 to 28.
NTD News, Perth, Australia
