Seeing Shen Yun Was Like Arriving ‘In Heaven,’ Says Taiwan Audience Member

NTD Newsroom
Shen Yun
Shen Yun Performing Arts delighted audiences who attended the two sold-out performances in Chiayi, Taiwan.
New York-based Shen Yun draws inspiration from China’s 5,000 year civilization, which was believed to be inspired by the divine. The performance incorporates classical Chinese dance, music, and stories combined with an innovative digital backdrop.

“It was as if I had really arrived in heaven,” said Mei-ling Huang, an association president. “It’s all live performance, including the music. Everything has to be integrated so well with the backdrop. It’s so perfect, it means that the performers have practiced so hard, and so seriously. It’s not easy, it’s really not easy.”

“The musician who sings is a tenor. So, when he interprets each song, he moves us with his voice. Every word he sings actually has its own meaning. What this means is when we use the vibration of his voice, it can connect us to heaven and earth. That feeling is something we cannot experience in other places. It is so powerful,” said Chia Ching Chua, a company CEO.

“I really admire the performers. Whether they are dancers or musicians, they are all very professional,” said Hao Wang, a Chiayi city councilor.

Shen Yun presents to audiences "China before communism." But some pieces in the performance also describe the brutal persecution of beliefs by the Chinese Communist Party that continues today. As a result, Shen Yun cannot perform in China.
“[Shen Yun] cannot perform in China yet because it presents some real situations, which are worthwhile for people all over the world to understand. The current Chinese communist government is persecuting Falun Gong practitioners, which is very wrong. I think that if we appreciate the Shen Yun show, the values ​​of truth, kindness, and beauty that it conveys are something that we can fully feel in this process,” Wang said.

“It’s a shame that such a great show comes from China but it can’t be performed in China. On the other hand, I’m also thankful that we can still see it in Taiwan. It’s the pride of the Chinese people. It’s not just in the international world but we in Taiwan also need to wake up to the fact that this is our root,” said Bijun Chen, a culture and tourism department director.

“I think it's great that we can make our society peaceful,” said Chin-Chang Yang, an association executive director. “Everyone is happy to help others, everyone is kind. I think this is very good. We should practice our good side, and promote our Chinese culture.”

Shen Yun will be performing in Chuncheon, South Korea, on May 7.
NTD News, Chiayi, Taiwan

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