MELBOURNE—Graphic Designer Adam Fowler was full of praise for the premier performance of the Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company’s debut held at the majestic Regent Theatre in Melbourne on March 6.
“Spectacular, colourful, very energetic,” Mr. Fowler said, moved by the performance that hails from New York. “Very spectacular, lots of colour and movement,” he added, amazed by the exquisitely handmade costumes that was cleverly choreographed to match the high-tech backdrop scenes.
And in keeping with Melbourne’s tradition as the ‘cultural capital of Australia,’ Shen Yun presented a colourful and exhilarating performance of classical Chinese dance and music. A performance by Shen Yun is acclaimed as a presentation of traditional Chinese culture as it once was: a study in grace, wisdom, and the virtues distilled from the five millennia of Chinese civilization.
At this time of year with an Autumn chill in the air, Melbourne plays host to a run of non-stop program of festivals, such as the Fashion Festival, the Food and Wine Festival, and not to forget, the start of the popular Aussie-rules football season.
Such was the atmosphere of this fine city when Mr. Fowler, who was with his mother-in-law, Patricia Corner, took in the New York-based performance.
Ms. Corner also commented on the ornate and intricate costumes and headpieces that the dancers wore. “Very clever very, very interesting very good. All the dancers are good and the costumes are beautiful... and the way they go up into the film [digital backdrop] is very good too. Extremely good. Really, an excellent show, thoroughly enjoying it.”
Mr. Fowler related to the story of the Monkey King and Pigsy ,which he used to watch on TV, portrayed in the dance The Monkey King Outwits Pigsy.
He also spoke about the dance Our story in which a beloved school teacher is persecuted as she writes the Chinese words for “truth”, “compassion” and “tolerance” on the blackboard—three words that are grounds for arrest in modern day China, although they embody the essential values of the Chinese nation since ancient times.
“Oh it was interesting the scene with the teacher, and the communists muscle off .... I did not realise they [Shen Yun] were from New York; I thought it was from China, “said Mr. Fowler.
As a graphic designer, he was especially inspired by Shen Yun’s use of the colours.
He summed up the evening show as “spectacular, colourful, very energetic,” his only regret was not bringing his seven-year-old daughter along: “I wish I had brought my daughter, she would have loved all the costumes and the colour. I would probably have to bring her to a matinee.”
Reporting by Ruby Wong and Kati Turcu.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. The International Company is in Melbourne for a six show run till Sunday, March 6. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
“Spectacular, colourful, very energetic,” Mr. Fowler said, moved by the performance that hails from New York. “Very spectacular, lots of colour and movement,” he added, amazed by the exquisitely handmade costumes that was cleverly choreographed to match the high-tech backdrop scenes.
And in keeping with Melbourne’s tradition as the ‘cultural capital of Australia,’ Shen Yun presented a colourful and exhilarating performance of classical Chinese dance and music. A performance by Shen Yun is acclaimed as a presentation of traditional Chinese culture as it once was: a study in grace, wisdom, and the virtues distilled from the five millennia of Chinese civilization.
At this time of year with an Autumn chill in the air, Melbourne plays host to a run of non-stop program of festivals, such as the Fashion Festival, the Food and Wine Festival, and not to forget, the start of the popular Aussie-rules football season.
Such was the atmosphere of this fine city when Mr. Fowler, who was with his mother-in-law, Patricia Corner, took in the New York-based performance.
Ms. Corner also commented on the ornate and intricate costumes and headpieces that the dancers wore. “Very clever very, very interesting very good. All the dancers are good and the costumes are beautiful... and the way they go up into the film [digital backdrop] is very good too. Extremely good. Really, an excellent show, thoroughly enjoying it.”
Mr. Fowler related to the story of the Monkey King and Pigsy ,which he used to watch on TV, portrayed in the dance The Monkey King Outwits Pigsy.
He also spoke about the dance Our story in which a beloved school teacher is persecuted as she writes the Chinese words for “truth”, “compassion” and “tolerance” on the blackboard—three words that are grounds for arrest in modern day China, although they embody the essential values of the Chinese nation since ancient times.
“Oh it was interesting the scene with the teacher, and the communists muscle off .... I did not realise they [Shen Yun] were from New York; I thought it was from China, “said Mr. Fowler.
As a graphic designer, he was especially inspired by Shen Yun’s use of the colours.
He summed up the evening show as “spectacular, colourful, very energetic,” his only regret was not bringing his seven-year-old daughter along: “I wish I had brought my daughter, she would have loved all the costumes and the colour. I would probably have to bring her to a matinee.”
Reporting by Ruby Wong and Kati Turcu.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. The International Company is in Melbourne for a six show run till Sunday, March 6. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
