AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France—The premiere of the Shen Yun Performing Arts in Aix-en-Provence was met with great enthusiasm by the audience. Through technical mastery, artistic refinement, and cultural depth, the audience was transported through 5,000 years of storied Chinese history.
Christophe Jarrige, an engineer living in Manosque, admits he was deeply impressed by the experience. “I’m truly captivated. It’s beautiful, it’s truly beautiful; it’s elegant—whether it’s the men or the women, it remains very elegant, very refined.”
On stage, this richness translates into a remarkable expressiveness and precision that captivates the audience. Mr. Jarrige particularly enjoyed the harmony between the dancers and the digital sets: “I think it’s executed to perfection and timed down to the millimeter. Really, the moment the image fades out, the dancer … steps onto the podium, and I find that incredible.”
A Blend of Emotion, Humor, and Sophistication
Beyond the beauty and precision, Shen Yun also captivates audiences with the diversity of scenes in its storytelling. Humor, in particular, plays a key role in certain scenes inspired by traditional tales. “There’s the monkey segment where the humor really works very, very well ... [I love] the subtlety and refinement of the dances,” Mr. Jarrige said.This interplay between lightness and depth is characteristic of Shen Yun, which draws on literature, legends, and traditional beliefs to create its choreographies.
A Rare Cultural Immersion
For many audience members, Shen Yun also offers a unique opportunity to discover a culture that is often little known. André Janssoone, a former international sales director, highlighted the richness of the experience: “It’s a truly beautiful show. My wife and I had a wonderful evening here … It’s magnificent.”A Culture Worth Rediscovering
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Shen Yun has a mission: to revive traditional Chinese culture, much of which was destroyed during the 20th century by the Chinese Communist Party. This message did not go unnoticed by the audience.Surprised not to see his Chinese colleagues in the auditorium, Mr. Jarrige reflects on this aspect: “I think they are familiar with their culture … they know it’s a culture with a history stretching back thousands of years, but that they may not have the right to talk about it or the right to explore it.”
For Mr. Janssoone, this discovery opened up new possibilities: “It’s interesting … it helps us learn a little more.”
‘We’re Captivated’: A Viewer Resonates With Values-Based Entertainment
Among the audience members was Gérard Dura, a retiree and former IT executive, who was also deeply moved by the performance. A longtime fan of Shen Yun, he was attending the performance for the second time: “This is the second time we’ve come—we were here last year, too … It’s magnificent—everything is magnificent. The costumes are extraordinary. The dancers, too.”He also highlighted the show’s visual impact and pacing: “The system with the screen … creates truly magnificent effects. You don’t have a moment to get bored. You’re completely captivated.”
Beyond the visual appeal, certain scenes particularly moved him, especially those depicting the current situation in China: “Yes, mainly because these people can’t return to China … that comes across clearly in certain scenes.”
Shen Yun performs all over the world but cannot perform in China, as the company presents aspects of traditional culture and contemporary realities that are oppressed by the Chinese communist regime.
A Must-See Show
After experiencing the show, audience members are quick to recommend it. “You just have to go. You have to go—it’s magnificent,” Mr. Jarrige said enthusiastically. His 20-year-old daughter, who saw Shen Yun in Lyon, recommended that he go see the show, and he was lucky enough to find tickets.Mr. Janssoone echoes this sentiment: “The main thing is to come see it. … It’s really a must-see.”
Mr. Dura concluded without hesitation: “No question about it, without a doubt … this is a show you absolutely must see.”
