SEVILLA, Spain—Mar Llera Llorente, a professor at Sevilla University, felt moved and shaken to the core after watching Shen Yun’s performance on March 9.
“[The performance] appealed to us at a time when we’re so blinded to what is happening in the [world,]” she said.
“The Chinese communist regime represents a threat to all of us and our way of life. [Its ideology] is completely removed from the spiritual and moral foundation of our civilization.”
Shen Yun Performing Arts was founded by a group of leading Chinese artists who fled the persecution of China’s ruling communist party. In the decades since the regime’s violent takeover, Chinese traditional culture was pushed to the brink of destruction.
“[The artists] presented their messages in a very clear and sensitive way,” she said. “They’re not just putting on a show for the love of the arts and aesthetics—that part was also very exquisite—but to bring awareness to a cruel reality that would be our future if we do not prevent it.”
“I was tearing up over the suffering of the Chinese people. Yet, I was also amazed by the beauty and elegance that they were able to summon to overcome these tremendous hardships,” Ms. Llorente expressed.
“[Shen Yun’s] presentation was very elegant. It was protesting without violence and in a language that can reach everyone.”
A researcher of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, Ms. Llorente is very familiar with the conflicts and societal issues of Asia.
Ms. Llorente is well aware of this situation.
“The Chinese migrants I know in Sevilla get scared when they see posters advertising Shen Yun because they are so indoctrinated by the communist party,” she said.
“I always said to them, ‘Hey! Come find out [about Shen Yun] for yourself. They will not force you to do anything. It is exquisite art.’”
“I felt an unspoken connection with them even from the stage. I would like to deepen that communication and express my gratitude, my recognition, and my congratulations in person.”
