Artistry in Shen Yun Is ‘Absolutely Amazing,’ Says Stockholm Audience Member

NTD Newsroom
Shen Yun
A delighted audience welcomed Shen Yun Performing Arts to Stockholm, Sweden, on April 21. Through classical Chinese dance, music and stories, Shen Yun brought 5,000 years of Chinese civilization to life on stage to showcase "China before communism."

“Go see it because it's an amazing performance,” business owner Anders Bjurstam said. “It's absolutely amazing. It's like living in a fantasy when you watch how they can jump and leap and do incredible tricks. Fantastically timed on stage too. It is absolutely incredible.”

“It was really nice. It feels like the artists were flying through the air. Yes, a very beautiful performance,” said Yvonne Bjurstam, a digital marketing specialist.

“It was fantastic, absolutely fantastic. It's beautiful, it's inspiring, and it's so spiritual. It gives a lot of things on many different levels. Emotionally, and you can also feel it physically,” said Annika Sundbom, an author and leadership developer.

Ancient Chinese people believed their culture and values to be gifts from the Divine. A culture that has been under attack since the Chinese Communist Party took power in 1949. Shen Yun’s performances also shine a light on the brutal persecution of faith in modern China under the communist regime. Because of that, the company cannot perform inside China.

“It feels terrible that it can't be seen in China. And I think it's good that they brought it up, because it's true. I understand it somewhere, but still it's new to me who lives here in Sweden,” said Stephane Frick, a business owner. “I think [traditional culture] can teach us respect for each other. At least that's how I think about it. Respect and maybe think in a different way.”

“That no matter what, kindness and compassion is the more important thing,” said Åsa Hansson, a systems specialist.

“It provides an alternative narrative about China. It is a different world from the one presented in the media, for example in news broadcasts. The China you hear about today in the news is a different world,” said Erik Nyman, an employment consultant. “The story that for the Chinese people, the original kingdom is a heavenly kingdom. That they came from the sky and that they were gods who had descended onto the earth and become humans. I like myths and that kind of traditional way of interpreting the world in the past. There was a strong connection between heaven and earth.”

“I feel sorry for the people of China who cannot see this show. I am absolutely convinced that they would love it,” Mr. Bjurstam said.

Shen Yun will continue performing in Prague, Czech Republic, until May 4.
NTD News, Stockholm, Sweden

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