WORCESTER, Mass.—Mayor of Worcester Joseph M. Petty presented Shen Yun Performing Arts with a proclamation on Jan. 14.
“It’s a beautiful show,” said Mr. Petty, who watched the performance at The Hanover Theatre. “I was very impressed with the art. It was moving … the performers were wonderful.”
Over many years since
New York-based Shen Yun’s founding in 2006 with a mission to “preserve the essence of China’s 5,000-year history and share it with the modern world in its purest and most beautiful form,” Mr. Petty has given the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company multiple proclamations.
According to the Shen Yun website, when the Chinese Communist Party seized power in China in 1949, it demolished traditional
Chinese culture and values. Shen Yun strives to show the world the beauty of “China before communism.”
“I support the art and culture, and they (
Shen Yun) show some good history of China and what’s going on today and show some of the challenges that arose when it was suppressed,” said Mr. Petty, referencing the story-based dances set in modern-day China depicting the Chinese government’s persecution of followers of faith.
“I think it’s important that every culture should remember where they come from, remember their roots,” Mr. Petty added. “People should always have to support their culture and remind people where they come from, and how we’re all pretty much all alike in some respect, and all want and enjoy the joy of life and freedom.”
Remembering and returning to one’s traditional culture was the main message Mr. Petty saw in Shen Yun’s
performance. He shared his appreciation for the program’s final piece, which he said was about finding spiritual solace or salvation, the Creator, and tradition.
“Remember your tradition, and the Creator will always be with you,” Mr. Petty said. “Just don’t forget your roots, where you come from, and remember your strength and your traditions and your beliefs.”
Mr. Petty said he thought it was wonderful that Shen Yun has grown from one to eight equally-sized companies that tour around the world simultaneously. He also praised Shen Yun’s hand-made costumes and live orchestra.
“I thought the art was beautiful. And the people, their
costumes, and the colors were absolutely marvelous. The music was great; I think the orchestra was very moving itself.”
Finally, Mr. Petty expressed his gratitude towards the performers.
“Great job. A lot of effort, a lot of work goes into that. The training must be hard … so I want the thank the performers for everything they did.”
Reporting by NTD and Wandi Zhu.
