LIVERPOOL, U.K.—Jean Llewellyn, a non-executive director in the nuclear industry, bought tickets to Shen Yun Performing Arts as a Christmas gift for her husband, Andrew Llewellyn, a retired bank manager. The couple finally saw the performance on Feb. 10 at the Liverpool Empire Theatre, and already had plenty of praise by the end of the first half.
“I think it’s extraordinary,” said Mr. Llewellyn during the intermission. “I had no idea what to expect, and I just think it’s quite remarkable in terms of the dancing. You see that sort of thing occasionally on television, but as you see it live, it’s fantastic!”
“It’s important,” said Mrs. Llewellyn of Shen Yun’s mission. “You need to maintain your tradition ... and it’s a great shame when people aren’t allowed to carry on doing what they want, where cultures are suppressed. It’s a great shame.”
According to the Shen Yun website, the ancient Chinese had a close connection with the divine, and traditional Chinese culture is founded on the spiritual teachings of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Although these beliefs were abolished by the atheist Chinese Communist Party, Shen Yun’s performance preserves the spiritual elements of Chinese culture.
“You very much feel it’s quite historic,” said Mr. Llewellyn, commenting on the spirituality of Chinese culture.
‘Absolutely Fabulous’
Also in the audience was Hassan Sarhan, a company owner.
“Absolutely fabulous,” said Mr. Sarhan of Shen Yun’s performance. “I’ve never, ever seen [a] show like that before.”
Mr. Sarhan said that he could see the effort that went into the performance and praised the dancers’ synchronicity.
“It looks like one person,” he said. “It’s unbelievable. I love it.”
The colors in Shen Yun really impressed Mr. Sarhan, who shared that although he had seen many performances, he had never seen a production quite like Shen Yun.
“It just [blew] my mind,” he said. “I’m speechless.”
Mr. Sarhan also wished to express his gratitude for the performers.
“You are amazing,” he said. “Absolutely amazing. I really appreciate your effort and everything you’ve done [for] us. I definitely recommend the show to everybody.”
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
