SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun Brings the Divine into Human Reality, Says Spanish Councilor

Mar 23, 2026

3/23/2026Updated: 3/24/2026

BURGOS, Spain—City councilor Raúl Martínez Peña said after experiencing Shen Yun Performing Arts from the Fórum Evolución Theatre that, “It was truly captivating, remarkably beautiful. I had never seen anything like it before, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”

He added that Shen Yun “brings the divine into human reality—something from beyond that helps us here. I really appreciated that.”

Mr. Martínez conveyed his appreciation to Shen Yun’s artistic director, praising both the vision and execution behind the production. “I admire his refined taste. It’s a show truly worth seeing. Please don’t give up on continuing to present it across Spain and throughout Europe, wherever it’s needed.”

On the evening of March 19, Mr. Martínez attended Shen Yun’s third local performance of the year in Burgos, Spain. He works as a manager at a construction procurement group and also serves as a city council member in Burgos, where he is actively engaged in both business and public service initiatives.

As a first-time viewer, Mr. Martínez particularly praised Shen Yun’s visual artistry, noting, “The colorful costumes and, above all, the synchronization of the performers—it’s truly beautiful!” He added that the vibrant palette conveyed “a sense of joy, freedom, refinement, and emotion.”

Based in New York, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, with a mission to revive 5,000 years of China’s divinely inspired heritage and share with audiences the beauty of “China before communism.”

Shen Yun’s costumes and colors are true to traditional aesthetics and styles, keeping alive the styles of China’s different dynasties, regions, and ethnic groups.

Mr. Martínez also spoke highly of Shen Yun’s live orchestra, emphasizing how seamlessly it complemented the performance. “I really liked it—it sounds wonderful. Above all, the music is very well synchronized with the images.”

Equally striking to him was the seamless interaction between the performers and the digital backdrop. “What really caught my attention was how the real characters transform into video, and vice versa—it’s so well synchronized you hardly notice the transition. I found that very interesting,” he said.

Describing the visual effect made possible by the digital backdrop, he added, “It felt like magic—something immaterial suddenly becoming material. I found it very magical.”

Among the many story-based pieces, one in particular resonated deeply with him. “I really liked the story of the mother and son … set in present-day China, about the persecution,” he said.

The mother-and-son dance Mr. Martínez referred to raises awareness of the Chinese communist regime’s ongoing persecution of Falun Dafa, a peaceful meditation practice whose followers strive to live by the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.

Reflecting on this theme, Mr. Martínez underscored the importance of fundamental freedoms in today’s world. “I think that in modern times, everyone should be allowed freedom of expression. Ultimately, that is essential,” he said.

Upon learning that the Chinese Communist Party has attempted to pressure theaters in Spain to cancel Shen Yun performances, Mr. Martínez said, “That also makes me feel very sad and disheartened. In the 21st century—the era we live in—this should no longer exist. Everyone should be allowed to express themselves freely, with respect for others, but in full freedom,” he said.

China has long been regarded as a “land of the divine,” with a rich heritage rooted in reverence for the heavens and an emphasis on moral values.

Mr. Martínez said he could sense this profound connection between the divine and human life through the performance. “Especially the transformation of an immaterial figure into a human one, as I mentioned before—it’s as if an angel suddenly appears and becomes a person, helping loved ones or those in need,” he said.

“I found that transformation very beautiful—it brings the divine into human reality, something from beyond that helps you here. I really appreciated that.”

In closing, Mr. Martínez expressed his hope that, one day, persecution in China will come to an end. He noted that he looks forward to the day when Shen Yun can become “a show, a vision, an image” performed on China’s stages.

“That would be most desirable,” he said.

Reporting by Bartolomé Suau and Olivia Li.

The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.