NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—Glenn Gustafson, a visual effects artist at Dream Works Animation, attended Shen Yun’s evening show on March 22, at Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts.
“The level of perfection is unbelievable. I can’t believe the amount of work they’ve done. The expression—it’s emotional. I wasn’t expecting that.”Based in New York, Shen Yun was established in 2006 by a group of leading Chinese artists who had fled the persecution of the communist party. Under the regime’s violent rule, China’s 5,000 years of traditional culture were forced to the brink of extinction.
Yet for thousands of years, Chinese people were very spiritual and believed that their culture was a gift from the heavens.
“I was really impressed with the way [the performers] blended in with the screen and projection. I was not expecting that. It’s taking us places that I never anticipated,” he exclaimed.
“It added a lot to [the show.] It captivates you. It’s an entertaining experience and a visual feast.”
According to its website, Shen Yun’s patented 3D digital technology works together with the performers to “extend the stage to infinite realms” and brings to its audience “storytelling without limits.”
“That’s what we came for. The struggles, the bravery—their attitude is very uplifting,” he said. “[China’s] 5,000 years of culture is nothing to sneeze at—words fail me. I’m definitely a fan.”
“There is so much trouble in the world right now. To know a people’s art is to understand them. You learn to love another culture when you get to know the art,” he expressed.
“[Shen Yun] is doing such outstanding and important work. I think it’s really important to spread that culture as far as you can.”
