New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts concluded seven performances at the Rosemont Theater in Greater Chicago, taking the stage April 20 to 23. Audience members said they came away with an appreciation for Shen Yun’s artistry and traditional Chinese culture.
Stan Smith, president and CEO of the Smith Economics Group in Chicago, has seen Shen Yun at least three times. He said, “Beautiful expression—the background, the design, everything was exquisite, first class.”
Salvatore Immordino and his wife attended Shen Yun for the first time. “It’s elegant; it’s beautiful; it’s deep. It has multiple levels of meaning,” said Mr. Immordino, director at USG Corporation.
Shen Yun tells China’s ancient and modern-day stories with classical Chinese dance.
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court Judge John Joanem said, “Even though there wasn’t a script necessarily … the storytelling was fantastic.”
Commenting on Shen Yun’s orchestra combining Chinese and Western musical instruments, Gary Franchi, host and executive producer of Next News Network, said, “I first thought maybe I was listening to a recording until they had said the orchestra was there because it was so perfect, the music was so perfect.”
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive China’s 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. Theatergoers commended the culture Shen Yun brought to light.
Mr. Joanem said that the stories in Shen Yun “are universal—love stories, political stories, war stories. I mean, and stories of the scholars. These are things that just are across the board, every culture. It was transcendent to me; I really, really appreciated that.”
“The Western culture is new; the ancient Chinese culture is more foundational. So I think it’s very important we understand that it’s a huge contribution to humanity,” Mr. Smith said.
Some reflected on the modern-day stories of persecution in today’s China.
Mr. Franchi said: “The performance was remarkable and also heartbreaking at the same time because when you watch it, you recognize the beauty of the Chinese culture. But then, at the same time, you recognize that you are listening [to] and watching outlawed dance, which is completely ironic, mind-blowing.”
Mr. Smith said, “I’m very sympathetic for the ability of people to think independently; to practice their own spiritual philosophy, their own spiritual religion; very sympathetic with Falun Gong, and any group that wants to be able to be free from oppression.”
Steve Parker, president of Viking Computer Services, also attended Shen Yun with his wife. He commented, “While you may think that there’s stuff like that going on, to think that in this day and age that is still going on, and that persecution of that nature is still happening, is unconscionable.”
Audience members noted the deep connection between spirituality and traditional Chinese culture.
Mr. Parker said, “The ending of the story, the way it melded into the spiritual and brought everything together, that we are looking for something later on in heaven, is something that resonates with both of us.”
“We all need a spiritual connection to help us lead to our higher selves so that we do the best for humanity so that we lead people to the best possible human solutions,” said Mr. Smith.
And as for closing thoughts on Shen Yun’s message, Mr. Franchi said, “You’ll be pleasantly surprised the way you wish you can walk away with. Just come in with an open heart and open mind and just enjoy the show.”
Mr. Parker said, “It’s not what I expected. It’s actually more than what I expected. So come see the show, and you’ll love it.”
NTD News, Rosemont, Illinois.
