LONG BEACH, Calif.—Zeel Ahir, council member of the city of Artesia, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on Feb. 8 at Terrace Theater.
“It’s been such an experience. I can’t even begin to tell you. I think I started crying when I opened up the program [book]. And, I think that the efforts made to have such a beautiful concept be displayed in the form of art is commendable,” Ms. Ahir said.
Shen Yun, based in New York, is on a mission to present “China before communism,” and revive people’s connection with 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and culture.
“I’m honored to be here. I just was in awe the whole time. You can see concepts like purity, punctuality, discipline, and grace all being depicted in such a beautiful way,” Ms. Ahir said.
With an Indian background, Ms. Ahir understands the importance of “preserving the ancient culture because there’s a wholeness within those principles, within the practice.”
When the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) came into power, it systematically distorted and destroyed Chinese culture. Ms. Ahir expressed that in order to spread a culture, it has to be understood and accepted.
“It only has to be followed when it’s understood, in all honesty, by that person. So when somebody is trying to showcase in such a beautiful way and trying to preserve the culture in that manner very gracefully, I have nothing but the best wishes. Even I want to preserve Chinese culture at this point,” Ms. Ahir shared.
Shen Yun’s singers are trained in bel canto technique, and the digital backdrop provides a translation of the Chinese text being sung.
“The singer who sang about the creator being the savior—I thought that was very powerful. I will say that yes, the creator can save us, but creativity can heal us as we see through this show.
So that’s something I gathered from that performance, which I think [is] ever lasting for me,” Ms. Ahir shared.
In Shen Yun, Ms. Ahir saw a divine mission—one that she wants to support.
“If the mission is to remind ourselves that divinity is within us, and all we have to do is remember. Thank you so much for sharing with us. … I would say you’re doing God’s work, so continue. And, if there’s anything that we can support, please reach out,” she said.
