“I feel that every time I come to see this performance, I get the sense of taking another step forward in this quest for light, which unites people rather than dividing them like religions do," she said.
“That’s what I appreciate; each time we make a little more progress in this spiritual journey that uplifts us, while still maintaining our roots and the beauty of earthly life. For the body remains significant, yet it aligns with the light and the spiritual energy.”
Ms. Laurens is also an art critic and musical director. She has directed multiple musicals, amongst which three were presented during France’s international theatre festival Off Avignon.
“I am deeply moved by this performance, which represents the journey towards spirituality. The body eventually uplifts, and in turn, the spirit supports the body and opens doors, even through struggles. This is what this performance has revealed to me since I arrived in Montpellier," she said.
“There is this effort of the body that strives to express what is truly this spiritual truth. I find that incredibly powerful.
“When we enter this performance, we come from the outside world, where we’ve heard news that gives the impression that the earth is degenerating. But when we leave the performance, we say no, there is still a flame that exists somewhere, and it is up to us to decide whether we want to be part of Shen Yun or allow ourselves to be dragged down.”
She feels Shen Yun changes both the world and the people who see it for the better.
“It’s a powerful force! I think there are a lot of people who, when they come out of the show, feel some changes have happened," she said.
"Now, there are those who will have the courage, or the will, to join those people on stage, and then there are others, as we see in certain parts of the performance, who will let themselves fall back because it is easier.
“Yet, at the same time, that flame continues to burn, and I believe we need it in this moment when we feel the earth is degenerating. We witness violence everywhere, but we’ve never known that there are also living flames everywhere, [Shen Yun’s troupes] which strive to make the world a better place, and people become better from the show to bear its witness.
“I find that very beautiful. I am very grateful because, ultimately, I feel a sense of brotherhood; sometimes we feel alone in our quest. But when we experience performances like this, we feel surrounded and strengthened, with the desire to continue on the path we began alone.”
