“I think it is very powerful that this production—this manifestation of art—is taken all over the world so that people like us here in Puerto Rico can learn what it is all about, and particularly how something so beautiful with values such as benevolence, tolerance, and love, is repressed in other parts of the world. And I believe it is very important for us to keep in mind the importance of keeping these things alive, so I’ve found it excellent,” said Ms. Acevedo.
“I’ve found it very interesting; I had never heard of this practice, Falun Dafa,” Ms. Acevedo said, later adding, “Without a doubt, curiosity was awakened for me tonight to continue learning about this tradition, about this culture, and perhaps to reflect on how important it is to cultivate the values that Falun Dafa promotes, and that we don’t necessarily have to practice that lifestyle, but we can carry it with us, no matter what we do for a living, no matter what part of the world we are in, but to always keep those values alive in our hearts.”
Each performance presents themes of spirituality and faith, values at the heart of traditional Chinese culture.
“In the movements, the attire they use, the sleeves—everything shows it was done with a very specific intention and, I don’t know, I think it invites us to connect with this idea that we human beings, humanity, is connected to the heavens, to the Divine,” Ms. Acevedo said. “Everything is part of the same thing, and I think that is reflected in the music, the costumes, the dance, the singing—in everything they have done so far.”
Shen Yun’s orchestra presents a unique combination of classical Western and Eastern instruments. Each performance also features solo vocal performances, whose lyrics resonated deeply with audience members.
Ms. Acevedo said she felt the lyrics sung by Shen Yun’s singers were powerful, and that the lyrics invite the audience to reflect on the modern world and how we can improve. “Very powerful. I think it invites us to reflect on many of the dynamics that are happening today. In the present, right now, there is a lot of chaos, a lot of intent to divide us, and I believe that on many occasions what we should do is invite ourselves to return to the basics, to the values that invite us to unite, to return to love; and I believe those lyrics definitely invite us to question what we must work on as a society.”
