BRISBANE, Australia—Mr. and Mrs. Sanderson attended the opening performance of the Shen Yun Performing Arts 2009 World Tour at the Queensland Conservatorium Theatre in Brisbane on April 9.
Mr. and Mrs. Sanderson, previously in publishing, but now run their own business, were pleasantly surprised. Mr. Sanderson was particularly impressed with the state-of-the-art visual backdrop saying: “I think Western theatre productions can take a leaf out of the Chinese method of stage production, because they add a whole new dimension of realism combining the video background with the live stage performance.”
The digital backdrops at each Shen Yun show bring classical Chinese dance into the 21st century, giving each scene an added visual depth and grandeur. Each backdrop is custom-designed to match a given dance’s costumes, story line, lighting, and even choreography.
“It gives it an extra dimension that bridges the gap between stage and film,” he added.
Mr. Sanderson was deeply affected by the performance called Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution.
This dance depicts the harsh reality of oppression that exists for millions of people in China today, as witnessed by an innocent family whose father is persecuted for practising Falun Dafa, a traditional spiritual discipline.
“I was moved to tears by the performance of the Falun Dafa/Falun Gong people. I think it’s a pity that a land with so much culture, so much colour, and so much love is dominated by so few with bad intentions.
“I loved the show. I thought it was very, very beautiful … beautiful costumes, colourful, beautiful dancing, very professional, very precise.”
Shen Yun ibrings together leading dancers, choreographers, and musicians from around the world. Its productions are unique in being not only, fun and entertaining, but also educational, enriching, and uplifting.
“It gave me a better understanding of Chinese cultural history. It was interesting, very uplifting, and made me feel very good inside,” said Mrs. Sanderson.
“There was a lovely purity about it, a very happy, happy show,” she added.
Two management consultants, Ms. Shorrocks and Ms. Tunny, were also impressed by Shen Yun.
