“I found it a super beautiful show. Firstly, because it is true that what is transmitted on stage, apart from the harmony of the colors, the music, the movements, the costumes, is the story that is transmitted—the earthly and the celestial, the union of these two worlds. The love stories are very beautiful. It also transports you to a moment of peace. A very beautiful show, indeed,” said Maria Teresa Ramirez, a member of the Valencian Parliament.
José María Llanos Pitarch, also a member of the Valencian Parliament added: “The truth is, it was impressive. These dances, this strength, this vibrant color, this blend of dance and almost acrobatics, we really enjoyed it. And also, on the other hand, that this is about reviving the true traditions, the true roots, what defines us as people—in this case, the Chinese people. Honestly, we are delighted.”
National Assembly Member Carlos Flores said: “I am, first of all, amazed by the color, the rhythm, the music of each and every one of the pieces we have seen so far. I’m sure the second part is just as beautiful. But also, very interested in the philosophy, in the message that underlies the whole work. It is not just a few dancers moving to the sound of the music, it is also a message of spirituality, of respect for traditions, of vindication of the Chinese people’s own culture, of resistance also against those who want to sweep away that culture, to annul it or deform it. Therefore, both from an aesthetic and an ethical point of view, I am having a very good time.”
“As far as I know, not only can it not be performed in mainland China, but also, when attempts are made to take it to other countries, diplomatic and all kinds of other problems arise,” Mr. Flores said. “First of all, I think it is reprehensible that it cannot be performed in mainland China, but I find it even more reprehensible that problems arise when it is being done in other countries.”
Jesús Albiol Talaya, a member of the Valencian Parliament, said: “What I liked the most, truly, is the spirit of this performance, which stands against the totalitarianism of communism that exists today, which persecutes, as we saw in one of the scenes, those who practice a religion not accepted by communism. And yet, it has the courage—despite what is happening now in Ávila, where I don’t know whether it was the Chinese Embassy or the Consulate, but they are sending letters threatening the presidents of the autonomous communities to prevent this performance from taking place.”
Mr. Llanos Pitarch said, “I believe this show helps bring to the world what Chinese culture truly is, stripping away those preconceived notions of a China isolated from the world. We fully support the company, hoping and praying that one day, China will regain democracy.”
Despite the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution and its attempts to stop Shen Yun, the arts company stays firm in its mission to restore the beauty of the traditional culture of China before communism and bring hope to people around the world.
“We can write books, we can give speeches, but the best way for ideas to get across is effectively through music, through performance. I’m sure that today 90% of the audience that attended was attracted by the color and the music. But I’m also sure that many of them will go home thinking, ‘Well, there’s an idea, a philosophy, a spirit that is perhaps worth exploring, that I might have to find out more about,’” Mr. Flores said.
“The East feels a bit far away, and bringing this ancient culture to us really makes us feel much more connected. And I say this because talking about traditions, about the relationship between human beings and the Divine, about the sensitivity toward the divine, is something all cultures share,” Mr. Llanos Pitarch said.
“Everyone should go see it. It’s a beautiful performance, but above all, we must support traditional Chinese culture, which also has a connection to Spanish culture,” Mr. Talaya said. “As we’ve seen, it is deeply tied to spirituality. Spanish culture is also rooted in Christianity. So, this connection to the Divine, which communism tries to erase, is displayed here in all its splendor, in all its beauty. The truth is it’s a captivating performance, it draws you in. I can’t wait to go back in and see the second part. Above all, I want to encourage you—the people behind this performance—to keep going, because communism is dark, and what we’re seeing here is the China they don’t want to show us, the China they don’t want us to see. It is joyful, colorful, and beautiful. So, I encourage everyone to go see it.”
