NEWARK, N.J.—World politics paints a less than welcoming picture of Chinese culture today, a picture where we are different, neither side trustworthy, and both sides feared. But this Saturday afternoon, a theater recital opened the eyes of one showgoer at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, showing a different China—China before communism.

Doug Carter, a finance project manager, watched Shen Yun Performing Arts with his wife, Christine, and said he came away feeling the “people of China are not quite what we have come to believe the people of China to be.” Speaking to The Epoch Times in the theater after the show, he said, “From what I’m gathering here, they’re a much kinder and nicer society than I'd have thought.”

For over two hours, the Carters absorbed dozens of classical Chinese dancers and a full, live orchestra with both Chinese and Western instruments—all weaving a tapestry of stunning beauty, deep-seated and universal morals, and spirituality. All of which were desecrated by the dictatorial Chinese Communist Party, in the past and present.

Based in upstate New York, Shen Yun set out on a mission in 2006 to revive a culture that was “almost lost” under the suppression in China’s Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. For 5,000 years, China’s civilization flourished under the shared belief that the divine will bless those who uphold traditional moral values.

“I feel like they’re showing how [China] used to be, and they long for it again,” Mrs. Carter said. “They’re performing and say we have traditions and ethics and values that they miss, and it kind of inspires that, well, maybe they'll get back to it one day.”

Then her husband noted what Shen Yun’s emcees mentioned in between dance segments during the show: that they are forbidden from dancing in mainland China.

“Which kind of makes me just go, ‘Why would you throw away that much history,’” he said.

The opening scene of Shen Yun also made an impression on Julie and Michael Morgante. The conductor bowed, a gong rang, and the curtains rose to a smoke-filled stage, revealing a heavenly scene—the tale of creation.

“The heavenly kingdom ... that was pretty cool,” Mr. Morgante said. “I love the cultural background and all the insight. And getting into what China was before communism is outstanding.”

“We’re Christian, but there is so many parts that bring us all together,” Mrs. Morgante added. “We like the message.”

Now 20 years old, Shen Yun was founded by Chinese expats who faced religious persecution in their homeland and who fled to America. They capitalized on the nation’s freedom of expression and established a dance company to revive the ancient values and spirituality they believe in. Many of the performers are practitioners of Falun Dafa, a spiritual practice that has been persecuted by the Chinese regime since 1999.

Scenes in the show display gorgeous costumes and dynamic choreography while also telling a story of Chinese history through myths and moral lessons. But while the visual effects dazzle and music stirs the soul, a number of segments portray modern China and the fateful persecution of Falun Dafa today.

“It is a must-see show,” Mr. Morgante said.

His wife added, “We’re very happy to be here.”