OTTAWA—Organizers and fans of Shen Yun Performing Arts’ shows held a protest outside the Chinese embassy in Ottawa on Sunday after learning that members of one of the company’s touring groups had been denied entry to Hong Kong.
“Shen Yun Performing Arts regrets to inform that seven sold-out shows in Hong Kong have been cancelled due to Hong Kong authorities’ last-minute denial of entry visas to several of our key production staff,” the company said in a statement.
The shows were scheduled to play at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts’ Lyric Theatre Jan. 27-31. But on Jan. 21, Hong Kong’s Immigration Department denied entry visas to seven core members of the production team.
“The reason given by Hong Kong immigration is that these production jobs could be filled locally,” the statement said.
Shen Yun is a New York-based company that has been reviving China’s artistic traditions and spiritual heritage that were almost wiped out after the current communist regime took power in China.
It was the first time that Shen Yun, which is currently on a 20-country world tour, would have brought its show to Hong Kong. All seven scheduled shows were sold out about a week after tickets became available.
“It is a very, very sad day for the residents of Hong Kong. They have been known around the world as believers in the rule of law and democracy and respect for people. This decision to deny the visas shows that it’s the party state in Beijing that is running the affairs in Hong Kong,” said David Kilgour, a former MP and Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific.
“I have been to Hong Kong many times and have met with the officials of the government of Hong Kong, and I suspect that most of them are as dismayed about this decision as are most of the people who have heard of it around the world. It’s appalling.”
Show organizers in various countries say the Chinese regime has for years tried to interfere with the group’s performances by pressuring officials not to attend and pressuring theatres to cancel scheduled shows.
Shen Yun’s performances showcase classical Chinese dance and music along with a full orchestra that combines Chinese and Western instruments. The production portrays ancient legends as well as contemporary events, including artistic representations of Chinese citizens standing up against persecution. Performances around the world have been marked by sold-out shows, standing ovations, and multiple curtain calls.
“Shen Yun Performing Arts regrets to inform that seven sold-out shows in Hong Kong have been cancelled due to Hong Kong authorities’ last-minute denial of entry visas to several of our key production staff,” the company said in a statement.
The shows were scheduled to play at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts’ Lyric Theatre Jan. 27-31. But on Jan. 21, Hong Kong’s Immigration Department denied entry visas to seven core members of the production team.
“The reason given by Hong Kong immigration is that these production jobs could be filled locally,” the statement said.
Shen Yun is a New York-based company that has been reviving China’s artistic traditions and spiritual heritage that were almost wiped out after the current communist regime took power in China.
It was the first time that Shen Yun, which is currently on a 20-country world tour, would have brought its show to Hong Kong. All seven scheduled shows were sold out about a week after tickets became available.
“It is a very, very sad day for the residents of Hong Kong. They have been known around the world as believers in the rule of law and democracy and respect for people. This decision to deny the visas shows that it’s the party state in Beijing that is running the affairs in Hong Kong,” said David Kilgour, a former MP and Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific.
“I have been to Hong Kong many times and have met with the officials of the government of Hong Kong, and I suspect that most of them are as dismayed about this decision as are most of the people who have heard of it around the world. It’s appalling.”
Show organizers in various countries say the Chinese regime has for years tried to interfere with the group’s performances by pressuring officials not to attend and pressuring theatres to cancel scheduled shows.
Shen Yun’s performances showcase classical Chinese dance and music along with a full orchestra that combines Chinese and Western instruments. The production portrays ancient legends as well as contemporary events, including artistic representations of Chinese citizens standing up against persecution. Performances around the world have been marked by sold-out shows, standing ovations, and multiple curtain calls.
