Theatergoer Commends Shen Yun for Standing up for Human Rights

Jan 08, 2026Shen Yun

FOLSOM, Calif.—Hanna Parkhomenko, a project manager, commended the bravery of Shen Yun Performing Arts for standing up for what it believes in.

“The historical part was important and interesting. I always encourage any human rights-related movements. So I appreciate the message, and I think it’s very brave to send the message to the people, wherever they are touring. So I really respect that,” Ms. Parkhomenko expressed.

Founded in New York in 2006, Shen Yun was established by elite artists who fled persecution by the Chinese Communist Party. Their mission is to return to the world’s stage the glory and beauty of pre-communist China and the country’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture.

“I loved it. This is the first time for me to get so close to Chinese culture. So I was really impressed to see the reference to this history, the culture of China,” Ms. Parkhomenko said.

Shen Yun uses classical Chinese dance to tell stories from China’s five millennia. Its dance stories also portray the modern true story of Falun Dafa practitioners being persecuted for their faith in China. Falun Dafa is a peaceful practice that teaches the principles, Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

“I don’t know a lot about movements in China. I’ve heard of Falun Dafa before, but I don’t have a deep knowledge about it, so it was interesting to see that reference as well. … I think it’s important for them to channel that, and it’s important for us to hear that as well. As people may not be aware of things that are happening so far away,” Ms. Parkhomenko said.

The Shen Yun Orchestra, which tours with Shen Yun, is a unique combination of traditional Chinese instruments and a classic Western ensemble. The instrument that really impressed Ms. Parkhomenko was the two-stringed erhu.

“I also have a musical background. So the musician who was playing a two-stringed instrument, the erhu. That was beautiful,” she said.

Ms. Parkhomenko expressed that seeing Shen Yun is beneficial to anyone, regardless of background.

“I would really recommend or encourage people to see the show, to really enjoy the combination of history, the present—it’s uplifting, it brings a lot of value, not only to Chinese people, but the message and the story behind the show is relevant to pretty much any nation or any culture on the planet. So I think it will be very beneficial to see the show,” she said.

Reporting by Lily Yu and Maria Han.

From The Epoch Times

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