Su Ling, the chief editor of Xinhua Times Japan, had long heard many good things about the Divine Performing Arts Chinese Spectacular . Unfortunately, when the show played in Japan last year, he was out of the country on business.
So when the Spectacular opened in Tokyo last week, Su was one of many highly impressed audience members. He said he rarely cried, but the Spectacular "moved me to tears. It is a most worthwhile event in my life."
"I felt it was great, I was so deeply moved. Several of the programs really touched my heart. I seldom have strong emotions, nor do I ever cry out loud, but my eyes were full of tears just now."
Su was touched by many of the programs. For example, Yue Fei's mother tattooed the four characters on his back 'Jing Zhong Bao Guo' which means 'Serve the Country Loyally." Su says this is a very patriotic sentiment and something which transcends any type of social ideology.
"We are all Chinese. Wherever we go, we are still Chinese, we are always Chinese."
"We Chinese love our motherland. We must strive to liberate our nation and strive for the freedom and the well-being of Chinese people. It is a very touching spirit. That was one of the programs which moved me to tears," he said.
Before seeing the show, Su had heard reports that the Spectacular aroused controversy and covered some sensitive topics. However, to Su, the more sensitive it is, the more he wanted to see it for himself.
"Be it arts or be it truthfulness, compassion and beauty, they are universal values. So we do not need to blend into it any other ideology or prejudice, or even hatred." Su continued, "Seeking freedom is a person's basic right, including the pursuit of arts. Actually, what's behind the art is a truth."
Su was very happy that he made the effort to see the show, adding, "In terms of artistic value, the performance is excellent, professional and is of the highest caliber."
"Considering that it can even make its way on to Broadway, it certainly is beyond description in Tokyo. I have been thinking to myself, now that we are able to enjoy it in Tokyo, how wonderful it would be if we are able to enjoy the same show in Beijing one day."
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