Matteo is the executive film producer for Cinema Island Productions. He writes screenplays and novels.

“It just lift us up,” he said after the performance. “We sort of float[ed] out of the [theatre].

The costumes were incredible, Matteo said. “The person who designed everything, the people behind the scenes have to be brought forward … because the beauty is just amazing.”

Violeta Cucchiara, an actress and singer who writes the music for all her original songs, was overcome with emotion during the performance.

“I love it ... everything. I can feel the spirits of all dancers and [the messages the dances are portraying].

Currently, the Chinese communist regime is persecuting many religious and spiritual groups, as well as China’s free thinkers. Matteo said he was aware of what was happening.

“I also remember China from when I was young and … how different it was. It would be nice if they could go back to those traditions and the culture [brought] back. And the persecution [of the spiritual group Falun Gong] stopped,” he said.

He appreciated seeing China’s true culture because he said many people do not get that opportunity.

He said that he and his wife enjoyed Shen Yun so much that they will be returning every time it performs.

Jennifer, a teacher, said that the facial expression of the performers, who were showing such grace and joy, was unbelievable—their dancing appeared effortless and was incredibly beautiful.

“The music is gorgeous, the whole thing. The costumes that go with the set, and the music ... I mean, it’s perfection,” she said.

Lester, who is a builder, concurred.

“It’s amazing to me how talented they are. Just the effortless athleticism [of the] performers. It’s a gift from God and a lot of hard work.”

A common thread that runs through each performance in Shen Yun is the spirituality of the universe, and the compassionate and just oversight of the Creator. Lester was aware of a divine message.

“I love the words of the tenor … when he sang the song [‘To Heaven in this Lifetime’], and we could see the words.”

The lyrics, viewable on Shen Yun’s patented animated backdrop, told of a journey through the planes of heaven down to earth where one awaits the Creator.

“I believe that regardless—we believe in Jesus Christ and that’s where we have our salvation—but we do believe that there is one Creator and one God, and Jesus Christ just came from God. But I can see the belief in a Creator is really what life is about and we have an opportunity to live our life here on this earth and present ourselves in the eyes of God. I just think it’s a great blessing,” he said.

Jennifer said, “Well, I think that what’s happening right now in China is criminal. And it’s … tragic to watch what has happened—the trampling of the culture and the belief system and that pure spirituality that [existed]. I believe that [Shen Yen] does get the message out beautifully with art, but also in a powerful way that helps you to see what is going on is truly evil.”

“It has to touch your soul. And anything that is a shared humanity is healing because you see others suffering and you understand the bonds that we … have [put] us all on the same level—that is to understand that suffering is part of living,” he said.