CANBERRA, Australia—“There are so few opportunities whereby you can travel through millennia of Chinese culture in just one evening,” said Alistair Coe when he experienced the magic of Shen Yun performing Arts at the Canberra Theatre on April 3.

“I think what’s extraordinary about Chinese culture is that it’s been continuous for thousands of years and has been a very successful culture despite the diversity in the geography and diversity in ethnicities—I think that’s something to celebrate,” he said.

Mr. Coe is an elected member for the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly; he said he never misses seeing the New York-based Shen Yun.

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive China’s traditional culture which was brought to the brink of destruction under communism.

“It’s a spectacular performance of colour of energy and most importantly, it’s a celebration of heritage and I think anything that can demonstrate the continuity of culture, which has existed in China for thousands of years is worth celebrating.”

There was much about Shen Yun that Mr. Coe loved.

“I think everybody is mesmerized by the opening scene and just the colour and the energy and the spirit, which is obviously present in the performances,” Mr. Coe said. “But of course the dancing drums, I think is fantastic and obviously I think it’s a bit of a crowd favourite as well.”

“I think some of the presentations that involve the monks and the monasteries are very powerful. I think that it’s so important that we celebrate culture and we celebrate history.”

“It’s very entertaining as well, and the colour and music to it makes it a spectacular performance,” Mr. Coe said.

“I think, the most important take out message is that diversity of Chinese culture and the heritage is worth celebrating and we have to make sure we do everything possible to ensure that culture around the world is not just preserved but actively enjoyed.”

Canberra is the capital of Australia and the home of the Australian Government, many State and Federal elected officials sent greetings welcoming Shen Yun to Australia.

Reporting by Rona Rui and Leigh Smith

With five touring companies performing simultaneously around the world, New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts aims to revive China’s nearly lost traditional performing arts and time-honored values.

The Epoch Times, considering Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time, has proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.