BERKELEY, Calif.—Philosophy professor Stephan Johnson exited the Zellerbach Hall on the evening of Jan 14, “surprisingly pleased” with Shen Yun Performing Arts. “I liked it a lot! I liked the aesthetics, the orchestra, and the narration. The dancing was impeccable. It was a great time.”
“What I think is interesting is how much communism has changed China. A lot of people realize that there is a difference between China now and [China back then.] But people don’t evaluate how much Marxism has [pushed the country] away from its traditional cultural roots.”
Dr. Johnson was impressed by Shen Yun’s modern-day dance piece that depicts the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice whose followers uphold the values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.
“I liked the forthrightness of the message. I like that [Shen Yun] is honest about it and they don’t hold back.”
Referring to the performers’ mission to revive traditional culture, Ms. Boone said it was “breathtaking, beautiful, and emotional too. If you listen to what [they’re trying to convey,] they’re dancing for that reason. They’re so strong and passionate.”
“I think we all need to practice tolerance and forgiveness and be loving. Express ourselves and stand up to people who are telling us we can’t do that.”
