SYDNEY—Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company warmed the hearts of the many who took in the matinee performance at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on Saturday April 28.
Among them was Dr. Philip Sinnadurai, a lecturer of Accounting and Corporate Governance at Macquarie University. “I’m absolutely loving it. Fantastic,” he said of the performance at intermission.
New York-based Shen Yun aspires to bringing to life China’s 5,000-year authentic, divine cultural heritage, almost destroyed by six decades of communist rule, says the company website.
The artists—dancers, vocalists, and musicians—including a full orchestral ensemble, achieve this end through portraying China’s beloved legends, folkloric and traditional tales, through to modern-day China.
Such dances that captivated Dr. Sinnadurai were Lotus Leaves where full-circle fans sway like lily pads in the wind, evoking scenes of a flowering lotus garden in the summertime, the program describes.
Dr. Sinnadurai also enjoyed the Tibetan dance, Khata for the Gods, an energetic piece where the dancers step and stomp, spin and soar with joyful, vibrant energy, a reflection of life in the Himalayas.
But he couldn’t quite pin-point what stood out for him, perhaps the dynamic projected backdrop scenes, perfectly choreographed to match the dancers movements, and handmade costumes of every hue.
“It’s hard to verbalise, but I can tell you what I enjoy in general. I think the combination of animation and live dancers works really well. And looking at the coordination and … skill of the dancers is just mesmerising.”
Dr. Sinnadurai said that he would let people know that the presentation that travels down-under only once a year “was really, really worthwhile.”
“I would highly recommend it.”
Reporting by NTD Television and Raiatea Tahana-Reese.
Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world, with a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company will perform at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre through May 6.
For more information visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
