2 French Mayors Arrange Special Trip With About 50 People to See Shen Yun

NTD Newsroom
Shen Yun
On Feb. 22, two French mayors arranged a special trip together with around 50 people to attend Shen Yun’s performance in Nantes, France. Marcelle Barreteau, the mayor of Palluau, said that everyone was delighted by the show and that after the performance, the group chanted ‘I love Shen Yun!’ in Chinese.

Ms. Barreteau said, “Our city governments chartered a bus and brought people from local and neighboring municipalities with us. I think everyone was greatly delighted this afternoon.”

Guy Airiau, mayor of Saint-Etienne-du-Bois, said, “We are a small group of about fifty, traveling in a small bus. Some of us are from neighboring municipalities as well.”

“It’s a grandiose and magnificent show, with stunning scenes and beautiful actors, immersing us in a different civilization as we explore Chinese culture. It was truly grandiose. The final scene, which connects modern civilization, was the highlight,” Ms. Barreteau said.

“Such a show reminds us of the simple things and values through sound, music, and singing, as well as the beauty of precise movements and the synchronization of the dancers. It’s impressive. In all of the dancers, there isn’t a single deviation; they were in the realm of perfect harmony. There’s something magical about it all,” Mr. Airiau said.

The mayor of Saint-Etienne-du-Bois, Mr. Airiau, is also a laureate of the Knight of the French Legion of Honour. He was touched by Shen Yun’s mission to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, and connected with their spiritual message.

“The show is good; it allows us to see something else. A culture which has existed for a long time, but which is now perhaps in decline due to the will of the Chinese state. But I believe it will return one day. I am confident that we will rediscover these traditions in the future. In any case, it was a fantastic show. I loved it,” Mr. Airiau said.

“There’s a palpable sense of solidarity in the show; the characters encourage each other, saying that we will face it together, not forgetting where we came from and what kind of life we aspire to be.I found this sentiment truly inspiring throughout the performance,” he added.

“This show is important; it allows us to pause, reflect, recharge, and look inward,” Ms. Barreteau said.

“In these chaotic times, where everyone’s rushing around and the world seems to be turning upside down, this experience helps us rediscover the right direction, and reminds us that there is more to life: this spirituality that surrounds us, this vision of what’s there for life in the beyond. It’s essential to remember this. The show offers a glimmer of hope during these challenging times,” Mr. Airiau said.

NTD News, Nantes, France

NTD is a media sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts, covering audience reactions since 2006.