TAICHUNG, Taiwan—After seeing Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company’s final Taichung performance at the JhungShan Auditorium on April 1, legislator Cai Qichang said solemnly, “I would like to use my own reputation to recommend Shen Yun to everyone, as it is a remarkable performing arts company. I appreciate such an artistic feast; it was very enjoyable.” Accompanying Mr. Cai was his wife.
Legislator Cai Qichang said he was pleased to catch Shen Yun’s 2012 performance in Taichung, and he highly praised the New York-based company’s extraordinary performance. He explained, “This is an amazing performing arts company. All those who have seen Shen Yun’s performance would feel the greatness of the [traditional Chinese] culture, and would be amazed by these artists’ devotion, momentum, and vitality, as well as their professionalism. I have indeed benefited a lot from it today.”
One program, How the Monkey King Came to Be, an adaptation from the well-known classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, was uniquely presented. The stage and the backdrops were synchronized so well that heaven and earth seemed to be connected. Marveling at the scenes depicting the story about the Monkey King wreaking havoc in heaven, Mr. Cai and his wife both said that it was their favorite program.
Mr. Cai added, “Shen Yun’s approach was very unique, and the stage was specially designed in which there were interactions between the backdrops and the performers. This is something that we have not seen in the past. The strength and the beauty demonstrated in the dances, coupled with the synchronization of the backdrop and the performers was very creative and fresh.”
Fascinated by Shen Yun’s brilliant colors, Mr. Cai said, “The overall color of the stage and performers’ costumes was very rich and brilliant. The design of the stage was also really marvelous. The overall visual effect was very enjoyable.”
“The collocation of the costumes in the program Sleeves of Silk and the stage lighting was very eye-catching. It was indeed a visual enjoyment. ... My overall feeling is one of beauty.”
Impressed by the dances of the Chinese ethnic minority groups, Dance of Qiang People and Khata for the Gods, Mr. Cai noted that Shen Yun perfectly showcases the rich connotations of individual ethnic minority groups, and that it is something that the audience could learn from.
He said, “I believe that Shen Yun will be the world’s top performing arts company.”
Shen Yun also looks at contemporary China and the repression of faith, beliefs, and human rights occurring there today that will become important parts of China’s history. Contemporary scenes show Falun Gong practitioners’ courage and bravery in standing up for their beliefs. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a traditional spiritual practice.
“Through seeing the performance, people are able to gain more insight into the belief of Falun Gong. Whether it is from the perspective of society or the artistic performance, I think this is worth being concerned about,” he said.
“This is a fascinating performance. I would definitely recommend it to others,” he concluded.
Reporting by Huang Yuyan & Billy Shyu
Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, tours the world on a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company will perform in seven cities in Taiwan until April 8 and then continue to top venues in Australia and New Zealand.
For more information visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
Read the original Chinese article
