Shen Yun Performing Arts arrived at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, Australia, on March 14, showcasing the company’s all-new, 2024 program. And giving theatergoers a glimpse of China’s rich heritage.
“They accentuate and showcase every element in the performing arts like the dance, obviously the history—beautiful, beautiful music and the singing and everything. It’s definitely a beautiful, beautiful experience,” said Karina Lawrence, director of Zoop Co Entertainment.
“I thought it was amazing. Quite outstanding. The choreography was tremendous. The way in which the animated interfaced with the practical was really amazing,” said Philip Benwell MBE, national chairman of the Australian Monarchist League.
Through classical Chinese dance and music, Shen Yun’s performances depict stories from over 5,000 years of China’s rich culture, history, and values from before communism.
“To drink in sort of that traditional Chinese culture and really enjoy it, and a huge crowd here tonight of people enjoying that. It’s great to see and it’s part of the fabric of the city, but also our country. So it was wonderful,” said Zac Miles, mayor of Hunters Hill, Australia.
“Then I think tonight’s performance made me feel very touched. Whether it is the arrangement of the program or the content, it is as if all of us listeners have taken a time machine and traveled through the past and present of Chinese history. That, I think, is a very moving part,” said David Cheng-Wei Wu, the director general of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney.
“That it really sticks to the tradition and that’s something that I really love about it. It has a story to it. And I think that’s really important, you know, especially in dance. … I just think it’s incredible that they’re not afraid to put that on the stage. I mean, I was really shocked when I heard tonight that I didn’t realize that they can’t actually display this beauty in their own country,” said Dani Swan, actress and producer.
“It’s so wonderful to know that there’s something deeper behind the actual performances, like there’s this sense of showcasing morals and ethics and virtue and that really shines through every one of the performances, and it’s super super refreshing to see that,” said Louise Edmonds, founder of MenStylePower.
Audience members also pointed to themes of hope, and of “good defeating evil” throughout the program.
“I think hope comes across. And for me it comes across quite well … You know, looking towards the future. Hope, you know we all have hope instilled in us, we just need it to shine,” said Simon Abney-Hastings, 15th Earl of Loudoun.
“Part of it is a situation where the strong bullies the weak and the mob bullies the minority. But I think in this rebellious era, we cannot lose faith. We still have to hold onto hope and move towards a brighter future. Then I think this entire performance, in this part, touched many people’s hearts and gave me a lot of encouragement,” said Mr. Wu.
Shen Yun will next perform at His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth, Australia, from March 19 to 23.
NTD News, Sydney Australia.
