LONDON—Shen Yun Performing Arts is halfway through its London tour, 10 shows from April 14 to April 22, at the Eventim Apollo. On April 18, theatergoers and lovers of the arts appreciated the cultural depth of Shen Yun’s performance.
New York-based Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance company and has been recognized for its revival of the ancient art form. Since its inception in 2006, the performing arts company has taken the mission of reviving 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.
Manus Fraser, a filmmaker, saw the performance with his daughter.
“It’s very interesting to hear all the cultural information about the culture of China and the history of China,” said Mr. Fraser. “I think the message of inclusivity and tolerance is something that’s essential for all cultures to appreciate and take on board.”
“They’ve clearly put in a huge amount of work and dedicated, and it shows, they were very impressive,” he said. “A great show.”
‘I Was in Heaven’
Niall and Yvonne Foster shared that the experience was one of great beauty.“I thought it was like a fairy land—a fairy tale,” said Mrs. Foster. “It was really, really enchanting, professional. And you’re taken away to another world.”
“Absolutely. Beautifully done,” Mr. Foster added.
Just listening to the music transported Mrs. Foster, and the couple commented on the effect of the erhu, the two-stringed ancient instrument.
Her only regret was that Shen Yun could tour everywhere but China.
“My heart was so heavy that [Shen Yun] cannot be in China and do this really is so sad, absolutely sad,” she said.
Since its founding in 2006, Shen Yun has been to around 200 cities across five continents but never to China. The ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has worked for 70 years since it came to power to uproot traditional culture, the very culture Shen Yun takes as a mission to revive.
‘A Real Purity’
Paul Gilston, who does special effects for films, saw the performance with Caroline Mannion, an art teacher. The two said the production was beautiful and that it was a shame this could not be performed in China.“It’s quite intriguing really cause I never realized it was so humbling, and so religious, the Chinese people relate to religion and their Creator. I didn’t ever realize that,” Mr. Gilston said. “It’s just so sad news to hear that it’s no more because it should be embraced.”“There’s a real purity, I think, to this as well. So that divinity really comes through,” said Ms. Mannion.
Mr. Gilston described a story-based dance that stood out to him, which was set in modern-day China. It told of people of faith in China and the human rights abuses at the hands of the CCP.
He was shocked to learn this was based on true events and thought Shen Yun brave for including the program.
“I can’t believe it’s still happening,” he said. “They’re still having the courage to say this is still happening in China today. Which is unbelievable that this sort of atrocities is still happening today, in the world we live in.”
“Absolutely amazing. And where the characters jump below the stage and then fly off, the CGI is just unbelievable. They look fantastic. I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw it—it is amazing,” he said. “It’s just amazing. The way that you switch the screen and the guys just make the images appear, sort of touchscreen. It’s just brilliant.”Ms. Mannion was similarly enthused.“Absolutely stunning. The colors and the costumes are incredible. I particularly like the water sleeves. It’s just so beautiful. So yes, very reminiscent of some things that I think I remember from my childhood, but also I’m learning learning new things about culture as well.”
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