It Would Be 'Too Bad' to Miss the Spectacular, Says City Councillor

"It would be too bad for Montrealers to miss this show!"

These are the words of Montreal city councillor Karim Boulos, speaking during the intermission of the premiere of the "Chinese New Year Spectacular" at Montreal's Place des Arts.

The councillor put into perspective one of the programs in the show that calls for freedom and human rights in China.

"The oppressive forces who act against people are not tolerated anymore," said Boulos. "It takes a lot of courage to present oneself in such a way—it is a risk. I applaud the performers for their courage."

The "Chinese New Year Spectacular" is a production of the New York-based Divine Performing Arts, which is reviving authentic Chinese culture without any communist elements.

Boulos said that he greatly appreciated the "artistic creations that depict the 5,000 years of true Chinese traditions, dances that date back to 1,000 years and that have been practiced the same way for hundreds of years."

"The Mongolian dance really moved me and the drum dance was really, really vivid. There was so much energy, power and enthusiasm," he said.

The values portrayed in the show are, said Boulos, not only in accordance with Chinese culture but with all of humanity.

"I think, no matter what our country of origin is, we have values that we consider important—the values of justice, equality, empathy […] Those are human values that unite us, that show us in what aspects we are similar and not different."

Boulos would like the city of Montreal to host more shows like the "Spectacular."

"We encourage strongly, not only the Chinese community, but all Montrealers [to come and see the show.] And to see … shows of such international level."

The "Spectacular" will play its last show at the Place des Arts on Jan. 17 and then move to Toronto later this week. The show will return to Canada in the spring to play Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Divine Performing Arts shows that will perform in over 60 cities worldwide in 2008. To find a show near you, please visit www.bestchineseshows.com.