“I like it a lot, because a lot of my philosophy in life is about spirituality and being connected to life, as you refer to it in the show as the divine,” he said after seeing Shen Yun at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto on April 6.
“So I relate to that, that you go back to your roots, and make sure you’re connected to that. And that’s what really gives you serenity and happiness in life.”
“I could feel the music at times when there is sadness, and when there’s all the effects, and also love the visual effects. They’re very well done, very well synchronized,” he said. “I also love the colours. And I love the performance and the talent.”
“Excellent. And my hats off to the technical people also in the show,” he added. “I love [how] it all integrates very nicely together.”
“In this world, there are a lot of things that are beautiful, and there’s also a lot of things that are scary and make us afraid and angry. When I see something that’s scary, I feel like it could happen to me. But when I see something that’s beautiful, it gives me hope,” he said.
Mr. Hanna adds that while many people believe they have to rely on others to interpret what the world, nature, or the divine wants for them, he believes everyone has a direct connection with the divine.
“We should fortify and develop [that connection] for ourselves. And treat it like your best friend in life. Talk to her, or it, or whatever, however you see it. And keep that connection strong and never lose it,” he said.
‘In a Fairy Tale’
Ukrainian-Canadian soprano Mira Solovianenko felt transported into a fairy tale while watching Shen Yun.
“All was amazing: the costumes, dancers, conductor, all musicians,” she said. “My goodness, it was really amazing. I want to say a big thank you.”
Ms. Solovianenko, founder and music director of the Nightingale Music Festival in Toronto, said this was her first time seeing Shen Yun and she is eager for more. She said the performance evokes emotions and delivers important messages, especially during these challenging times.
“I think everyone, we have to open our hearts, we have to be kind. We have to be kind not just for ourselves, but for everyone. We have to be kind, and please, no war. In what century do we live? How can we have a war now? I can’t understand. So, we have to open our minds. We have to open our hearts and start thinking about what we can do to stop this terrible situation around the world,” she said.
“Yes, and we have to bring love, beauty, and spirituality to this beautiful world.”
“She didn’t move a lot, but we could feel these emotions just through the voice,” Ms. Solovianenko said. “She sounded very, very strong and beautiful. And all the emotions, all of it, was like inside her, and everyone could feel it.”
Ms. Solovianenko said that after seeing the performance, she was in “an amazing mood.”
“In the future, I will for sure come with my friends,” she said.
