“It was one of the most phenomenal things I have seen in my life at so many levels. Not just the artistry—the spirituality, the discipline, the modesty—so many things about it makes it worth seeing.”
On the evening of Jan. 28, Mr. Murchison arrived at William Saroyan Theatre with his family of eight to enjoy Shen Yun.
“I’ve never heard a bad comment about this performance. When my son called [to invite me] I was so thrilled. I just wish everyone could see it,” he said. “Each individual dancer is phenomenal in his or her own right, but collectively, the unity is amazing.”
Mr. Murchison added, “I’ve been around the world and seen a lot of stuff. Throughout the whole performance, there was a gentleness, which is the ancient Chinese way. I think communism has ruined a once-great culture and my heart goes out to [them].”
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 destroyed and the spread of atheism rampant.
As a Christian, Mr. Murchison agreed with the ancient Chinese belief that we were all once divine beings. “It’s refreshing to see other people of like-minded faith,” he said.
Also, having played piano in his childhood, Mr. Murchison was intrigued by Shen Yun’s music.
“It doesn’t surprise me that you have eight performing groups around the world [touring simultaneously].”
For Mr. Murchison, his biggest takeaway from Shen Yun was the love he felt from the show’s message.
“There was a sincerity that comes across in all their performances, both individually and collectively,” he said. “It strengthens my faith. It strengthens my connection with fellow travelers on this planet. Every way I think of it, [Shen Yun] is just a wonderful thing to see.”
If he gets the chance, Mr. Murchison said he would like to thank the artists. “Your talent and your gifts, the fact that you’re so willing to share them with the world, means a lot not only to me but to all who see it.”
