SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun’s Effort to Preserve Traditional Culture Is Very Important, Says Philosophy Professor

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Shen Yun’s Effort to Preserve Traditional Culture Is Very Important, Says Philosophy Professor
Philip Blosser (R) enjoyed Shen Yun's evening performance at the Detroit Opera House on May 6, 2023. Charlie Lu/The Epoch Times

DETROIT—On May 6, philosophy professor Philip Blosser attended Shen Yun Performing Art’s evening show at the Detroit Opera House.

Exiting the theatre, Mr. Blosser said he wished his parents were still living because they would have loved to see Shen Yun.

“I was born in China. My mother went there as a medical nurse, and my father was a missionary—they met there and got married. [Shen Yun] was such a wonderful way [for me] to connect with that history.” he said.

“It was personal and very touching. I was deeply moved by the performance—so beautiful and just magnificent!”

Shen Yun Performing Arts was founded in 2006 by a group of leading Chinese artists who had fled the persecution of China’s ruling communist party.

Following the regime’s violent takeover in 1949, Chinese traditional culture underwent a period of mass destruction.

Mr. Blosser loved that Shen Yun is committed to bringing back China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture and showcasing to the world, beauty before communism.
“I think a lot of ancient [Chinese] culture was lost during the cultural revolution in the 60s. Any effort to preserve that is so important because China is a great civilization,” he stated.

“So much is lost now, and it’s so sad. If it’s possible, I would like to go and see where I was born.”

The professor also enjoyed Shen Yun’s animated 3D backdrop and its seamless collaboration with the dancers on stage.

“That was very clever! I’ve never seen anything quite like that,” he exclaimed.

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.”
One of Shen Yun’s modern-day story dances portrayed the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of Falun Gong—a peaceful meditation practice whose followers upheld the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.

Mr. Blosser thought that was an important piece deserving of awareness.

“I’ve always been sympathetic with those who are persecuted,” he expressed.

“In my course, I teach my students the history of [communist rule], and they are mostly ignorant about [the oppressions]. I think it’s very important for them to learn what happened.”

Speaking of Shen Yun performers’ portrayal of spirituality, Mr. Blosser said, “It was very interesting.”

“A lot of these messages are very similar to what we see in [Christianity.] The themes of trouble in the world, redemption, judgment, mercy, and compassion. These are universal themes, and that’s what’s beautiful.”

Reporting by Charlie Lu and Jennifer Tseng.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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