BIRMINGHAM, U.K.—Shen Yun Performing Arts performed at the International Convention Center in Birmingham, UK on Dec. 30 to an enthusiastic audience. Martha and Brian Knifton attend every year and both said it’s “fabulous.”
Mrs. Knifton, a property manager, said: “I just think it’s phenomenal, taking in the work that they do, how fabulous they are. The commitment that they must put in. I just think it’s astounding, so we have to come and watch it.”
A close relative of the Kniftons is a Chinese woman who plays piano and teaches music. “She knows the commitment that goes into Shen Yun and she’s from China, so she wants to come,” Mrs. Knifton said.
With shows scheduled in over 200 cities and across five continents, the 2024 touring season is shaping up to be the artists’ busiest one yet.
The Kniftons felt a real connection with the performers. “You just feel connected to them. It just makes you smile. You just have to sit all the way through the performance and just smile because it’s just wonderful, in like the stories,” Mrs. Knifton said.
“It makes you sad as well,” she said. “It touches your soul, [especially] when you hear that they’re still going through it now. We don’t realize how lucky we are.”
“It must be heartbreaking to them, especially if they’ve got family back home and they can’t go back. What they are giving up to do this performance—their commitment to this dance—they’re giving up family to do that, and they can’t go back and see them.”
She encouraged people to come and see the show. “It’s just wonderful for people to come and see. More people need to come and see it. It’s brilliant.”
