Mayor Sees ‘Spectacular’ as Benefit to Society

Finding ways of teaching some aspects of traditional Chinese values and culture to help today’s society is something Mayor of Caledon, Ontario, Marilyn Morrison desires to do.
Mayor Sees ‘Spectacular’ as Benefit to Society
Caledon Mayor Marilyn Morrison and husband John were inspired by the Mid-Autumn Spectacular and encourage others to see the show. (The Epoch Times)
9/27/2008
Updated:
10/1/2015
<a><img class="size-medium wp-image-1833630" title="Caledon Mayor Marilyn Morrison and husband John were inspired by the Mid-Autumn Spectacular and encourage others to see the show. (The Epoch Times)" src="https://www.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2015/09/Mor.jpg" alt="Caledon Mayor Marilyn Morrison and husband John were inspired by the Mid-Autumn Spectacular and encourage others to see the show. (The Epoch Times)" width="320"/></a>
Caledon Mayor Marilyn Morrison and husband John were inspired by the Mid-Autumn Spectacular and encourage others to see the show. (The Epoch Times)

TORONTO—Finding ways of teaching some aspects of traditional Chinese values and culture to help today’s society is something Mayor of Caledon, Ontario, Marilyn Morrison desires to do.

Mayor Morrison was inspired by the Mid-Autumn Spectacular performed at John Bassett Theatre in Toronto by the New York-based Divine Performing Arts dance company.

“What I liked was the way you were taken through the dance, music, some of the songs and history...the costumes were beautiful, everything was just beautiful.

“Even though there’s repression and things aren’t wonderful, they’re still happy, everything ended on a positive note. Very optimistic, it was just wonderful.

“The way they [the dancers] moved you could understand what they were talking about and you could understand their sadness and their happiness, which to me was just amazing because normally we think we have to talk.”

She said the combination of eastern and western instruments produced a different melodic sound and blended beautifully together.

“I think we should have more of that so that we can learn from each other.”

She said she was inspired by China’s 5000-year-old history and plans to visit China when she and husband John decide to retire.

“Chinese culture is very gentle and that really intrigues me, and especially being a Mayor and looking at society trying to figure out what we can do with our youth so that they are not so angry and some of the things that are going on shouldn’t be happening.

Mayor Morrison questioned how the people remained calm and happy, even in adversity.

“So what is it about that culture that brings that out in people...we need to find out so that we can pass that on to the angry young people we have here.”

When asked if theatre was the right platform to raise awareness of the Chinese communist regime’s persecution of Falun Gong, Mayor Morrison said that it was an opportunity for westerners to reflect and appreciate the freedom of speech, the freedom of the pen.

“We have three boys, two of which went to Afghanistan, who really do feel like they can make a difference. It’s not about fighting, that’s not Canada’s role really. It’s about helping and protecting those who are being oppressed and help them not to be that way any more.”

Mayor Morrison saw the Falun Gong principles portrayed by the performers, to be truthful, compassionate and tolerant and said she raised her family with those principles.

“We have raised our family, our boys with principles of telling the truth, be honest, have compassion for people and help people,” Mayor Morrison said.

“In North America, we have lost some of those values and are not living by those principles any more. When you lose those values, you end up in a downward spiral and I think that we are going that way. I would love to find a way to stop that.”

Armed with a show timetable, Mayor Morrison said she would write in her Mayor’s column encouraging more to see upcoming performances.

“I will encourage them to come in order for it to benefit more people in my community.”

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s most ancient and cherished holidays. The Spectacular expresses Chinese classical dance and showcases authentic traditional Chinese culture. Through background scenery, costumes, and choreography, the Spectacular expresses truthfulness, compassion, and pure beauty. China’s history comes to life in this gorgeous performance that is entertaining, inspiring, and uplifting. The content of all programs is presented in both Chinese and English. For more info, visit DivineShows.com/Toronto.

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