Meiling Feng, a recent Chinese immigrant, said, “I was extremely excited from the very start by the costumes, the staging, and the sound. The whole experience was thrilling, impressive, and truly spectacular.”
Xi Zhou, another recent Chinese immigrant, said, “What was most striking was the brilliantly colorful multimedia that was used and the magnificent live orchestra that combined Western and Chinese instruments. I loved it all.”
Qinfang Xiang, also a recent Chinese immigrant, said, “What impressed me most was the beauty [of the performance]. It perfectly embodied the traditional culture of China and its spiritual essence. It was very good, very moving.”
Yan Ren, a recent Chinese immigrant, said, “This is the first time I’ve come into such close contact with traditional Chinese culture and stories. The performers used their graceful dancing, traditional Chinese music, and stories to transmit uplifting themes that really moved me.”
Binqing Lin, a recent Chinese immigrant, said, “The first time I watched the performance, I was floored by everything I was seeing onstage. But now, the second time that I’m watching it, I can see deeper than the surface. I see its inner meaning. Many parts of [the performance] reflect events in modern society. It’s just such a meaningful show. I feel very happy after watching it.”
Mr. Ren said, “Although the world isn’t perfect, I feel that if everyone could strive for wonderful things, strive for kindness, justice, and tolerance, then that’s the foundation for the improvement of our society. I think it’s wonderful to transmit that message through the arts.”
Ms. Zhou said, “China, before the influence of communism, was the type of country we all wanted. It was wonderful, it was kind. It’s not what we see today where everyone undermines, distrusts, and even betrays one another. I believe that this performance shows a glimpse of that honesty, kindness, and beauty that our nation should have.”
Ms. Xiang said, “The Chinese Communist Party fears that people around the world will learn the truth about the atrocities it has committed. That’s why it goes to great lengths, using every possible means, to try to stop Shen Yun, and to block the channels through which people can learn about traditional culture and about its abuses.”
Ms. Weng said, “Truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance are things that every person should try to pursue. So tonight has been very moving.”
Through story-based dances, Shen Yun tells both ancient Chinese stories and depictions of human rights abuses happening in modern-day China. Because of this, it is banned from performing in China, something Chinese audience members hope will soon change.
Ms. Lin said, “China really needs [Shen Yun] performances. People need to know what genuine traditional Chinese culture is, instead of just what the government wants you to see.”
Ms. Zhou said, “I think my fellow countrymen in mainland China would definitely really like this performance. I hope [Shen Yun] can soon go to China to perform.”
Ms. Xiang said, “I hope that Shen Yun can perform in every corner of the world, especially in China, so that one day we can all watch such an outstanding performance in China.”
