VANCOUVER, British Columbia—As the curtain went up on Tuesday night at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the audience was overwhelmed.
Displayed before them was a heavenly scene: softly billowing mist encircled fairies, Buddhas, and deities, ready to take the audience on a journey.
Shen Yun Performing Arts is in town, and audience members have been responding with enthusiastic praise.
“There’s a lot of emotion in ... the performances, and the music programs were really amazing. Some of the dances related to family, and bringing out that emotion was just very powerful,” said Ms. Keay, lawyer and private investigator.
Ms. Keay was especially impressed by Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution. In this scene an innocent family is torn apart when the father is persecuted for practicing the traditional spiritual discipline of Falun Gong. The scenes that ultimately unfold present a message of hope and bespeak of a longstanding Chinese belief that good is rewarded, even if not in this lifetime.
Speaking during intermission, Dana Divine, a blood researcher, was deeply impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of the performers.
“So far I like the drummers, they were wonderful. The rhythm was really good. The dancers have a lot of energy. They were colourful, and the choreography was very good. The music is lovely.”
She also appreciated the show’s announcers who explain each scene before it unfolds, so the audience can get a better understanding of traditional Chinese culture and storytelling.
Mr. Hume, a lawyer who also attended the show, recognized many of the scenes displayed on the innovative backdrops, which incorporate digital images that act as an extension of the dancers and help tell the stories.
“I think I’m picking up most of it. I recognized the Forbidden City, and I’m picking up on the story. I think [the costumes] are very well done. They’re quite colorful. I particularly thought the flower costumes were good,” said Hume.
After its Vancouver run ends on Wednesday, Shen Yun will go on to Calgary, Edmonton, and Regina.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of the Shen Yun Performing Arts 2009 World Tour. For more information please visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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