MONROE, Calif.—Brian Sivils, a musician, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on Feb. 3 at W.L. Jack Howard Theatre.
“The musicianship and the performance quality is as good as anything you’re going to see in the world,” Mr. Sivils 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 think the story lines are great. I’m a historian, also, and so it gives me an idea to look into Chinese culture and traditional Chinese culture as well. I respect people who want to keep their traditions alive,” Mr. Sivils said.
Shen Yun’s artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.
“Specific to Chinese classical dance, it’s as good as you get. I like to see high-quality performances, and this is one of those performances,” Mr. Sivils said.
As a musician, Mr. Sivils has had to take roles that he did not enjoy. But in Shen Yun, he witnessed the artists with true smiles on their faces.
“They’re fabulous. They look like they’re enjoying their work. They really show great energy,” he said.
Shen Yun’s use of its digital backdrop is patented. The versatility of the technology allows the set to change scenes in the blink of an eye, giving the stage endless possibilities.
“Every element of the performance was done top-flight. And when I was watching the graphics in the back. It kind of reminded me of martial arts scenes in certain Chinese films. I could see the fantasy elements of it. We had a good time. My wife and I both liked it,” Mr. Sivils said.
James Rasberry and Debra Rasberry at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at W.L. Jack Howard Theatre on Feb. 3, 2026. Nancy Ma/The Epoch Times
James Rasberry and Debra Rasberry were also in the audience for this evening’s performance.
“The show was magnificent, well done. I marvel at the talent that you brought to Monroe,” said Ms. Rasberry, who works in a neurolinguistics company.
Out of all the dances, the one that left the deepest impression told the true story of Falun Dafa practitioners following the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Despite their goodness, they are being persecuted for their faith in present-day China.
“I just think it sent a message to everybody here in the United States that we take our religious freedom for granted. And in places like China, they don’t have that opportunity that we have here, to speak out about what we believe in,” said Mr. Rasberry, a CEO.
