Shen Yun Performing Arts have received a warm welcome in anticipation of their performances this week in London’s largest theatre, the London Coliseum.
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture through large-scale performances of classical Chinese dance, and to provide audiences with an experience of sublime beauty.
Many officials, artists, and celebrities sent greetings ahead of Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company’s run of performances at the London Coliseum from April 5–10.
“I look forward to enjoying once again your fabulous dancing and costumes,” said Lord Cobbold’s message to the Shen Yun performers. “You are brilliant.”
Peter Graham, FRSA Musician & Founder of World Culture Association, said in his greeting message: “I find Shen Yun to be both enriching and enlightening. They show what a wise and interesting culture there is in ancient Chinese traditions.”
Edward McMillan-Scott, vice president of the European Parliament, praised Shen Yun warmly, saying it gave “a fascinating insight into ancient China and showed the beauty of it’s 5,000-year-old culture”.
“Anyone who appreciates the arts cannot fail to be impressed by this remarkable performance,” he said. “It certainly deserves the success it has received in recent years. The China of yesterday is represented by Shen Yun and I hope that it will also be the China of tomorrow.”
“I would encourage everyone to attend this very beautiful and enjoyable show,” he added.
Prime Minister David Cameron said that he wished Shen Yun a successful event.
The London Coliseum, where Shen Yun will perform, is the biggest of the many theatres in London’s famous West End. Often compared to New York’s Broadway, West End theatre is synonymous with the highest calibre of performance in the English-speaking world.
Stephen Fry, actor and TV personality, welcomed Shen Yun, saying: “So exciting for us to have the wonderful Shen Yun back in Britain. I couldn’t be more pleased to add my name to the chorus of welcome.”
The mayors of many districts of London sent greeting messages to Shen Yun, as did the Lord Mayor of London.
The Lord Mayor of Barking and Dagenham (a borough in the east of the Capital) said: “This is a very important art company which is going to other European countries and all over the world. I wish them good luck because it is very important art. Art belongs to everybody’s heart, and it is very close to my heart. I love it, which is why I am telling you to see this programme.”
David Burrowes MP said: “I am very pleased that Shen Yun Performing Arts is coming back to London. The performances bring to life traditional Chinese culture, which has sadly been suppressed in China.”
Various other MPs, officials, Lords, and Baronesses also sent their greetings.
The London Coliseum was designed at the start of the 20th century with the ambition of being the largest and finest “people’s palace of entertainment” of the age. With 2,359 seats, it is the largest theatre in London. The theatre is home to the English National Opera company.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
Friends Read Free