CANBERRA, Australia—Andrew Braddock, ACT Greens member and spokesperson for Multicultural Affairs, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Canberra Theatre on May 2.

Mr. Braddock was elected to the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) Legislative Assembly in 2020 and is a member for the Gungahlin based seat of Yerrabi.

“To be exposed to the cultural performances and the athleticism of the performance, it’s absolutely incredible … I’ve been enjoying it so much,” he said.

“The jumps and twirls are just out of this world,” he added. “They are just so athletic, so impressive, that it makes me just go ‘wow, I wish I could do that!’”

Captivated by the women’s classical Chinese dance, “Water Sleeves,” he said, “you could just see this vibrant waves of color and movement happening, which was very otherworldly.”

“The story about Falun Dafa struck home,” he said, “that was a very poignant story … very heartfelt.”

In 1999, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched a persecution campaign against the spiritual practice, and adherents have since been subjected to unprecedented imprisonment, torture, and abuse.

“Exposing people around the world to the message … in terms of Falun Dafa … the value it provides the world is immense,” said Mr. Braddock. “These dance groups … help provide it in a form that people can relate to.”

“I think it’s a shame that people aren’t able to see arts in all its forms, even when they might be challenging or counter to what the government may wish for people to see,” said Mr. Braddock.

“You can’t retain what you don’t maintain,” he said. “It takes time and effort to maintain this cultural history.”

“That’s a living link to the past,” he added. “It’s very important also for a sense of culture and identity for the Chinese people.

“So I'd like to thank all of the performers, whether they be on stage, in the orchestral pit, or behind the scenes making this happen.”