NANTES, France—Shen Yun Performing Arts continues to thrill audiences at the Cité des Congrès in a series of eleven sold-out performances.
“It’s a fresh, very joyful, very lighthearted show. I felt a lot of sensitivity and humor. I traveled all over China. I also discovered Chinese culture,” says Freddy Préault. “I thought it was an incredible show, artistically as well, with dancers who dance really well and costumes that are very, very pretty.”
Until recently, Mr. and Mrs. Préault were co-managers of an organic store in Bressuire, and they are currently undergoing professional retraining.
“What’s interesting is that all aspects of China are also mentioned, both the very good and the not so good,” she adds. “It’s true that sharing this part of China’s history was really wonderful for us, who are so far away from China geographically.”
“One of the things that struck me was how well the artists were synchronized with the musicians and the orchestra,” admits Mr. Préault. “Because playing the score live while the dancers managed to fall at the same moment in their dance was amazing. We had a great time.”
“And then there’s the orchestra, which you can see, or not see, but it’s just incredible, this mix of European and Chinese instruments,” said Mrs. Préault. “We discovered lots of instruments we didn’t know.”
The soloists of the New York-based company, whether opera singers or erhu virtuosos, captivate audiences with their technical mastery and the emotional intensity with which they perform works inspired by Chinese tradition.
“What was also really interesting was seeing different art forms presented. There was dance, of course, but also lots of stories. And the two presenters spoke French, English, and Mandarin, which was really interesting and very enlightening for us,” she said.
She was particularly moved by the dancers’ grace, “the grace that emanated from them, a great deal of gentleness. Everything was very elegant. That’s what touched me the most.”
“It is extremely courageous to dare to take this step, to propose this to countries all over the world. It is extremely courageous, I don’t know if I could do it,” he admits.
“Not being able to return to their country of origin, not being able to go back to see their family, their roots. And instead, promoting China and what they love, I suppose, deep down. ”
“First of all, we discovered that this show wasn’t being performed in China. We found out just now; we didn’t know. We simply came to see an art show. We knew it was going to be beautiful; we had seen a few posters and pictures. We didn’t know the whole story behind it and the artists’ desire to share their views on China,” she said.
“So we will also return with the humility to recognize that people have the courage to do this,” she says. “We salute them. We admire their courage.”
Both thoroughly enjoyed their evening and recommend seeing the show.
“You’ll be amazed,” Élina Préault said.
“Come with your eyes closed. But open them when you’re at the show!” concludes Freddy Préault.
An entire family was also among the audience at the Cité des Congrès in Nantes that evening. They were the family of Claude Gautier, municipal councilor of Loireauxence, a town of 8,000 inhabitants where he was mayor from 2016 to 2020.
“This show was chosen by my wife. I’m here with my whole family, my three children and seven grandchildren,” he said.
He particularly liked the Chinese philosophy in the show.
“As someone who subscribes to this philosophy, it gave me pleasure.”
“There is everything that is concrete, and there is also the abstract. And in fact, it is up to each person to find their own reference point and the message that suits them best,” Claude Gautier said.
“Things are not predetermined. Because at one point they mentioned inner peace,” Mr. Gautier explained. “I think you really have to find peace within yourself and be able to pass it on, and through this show we are offering a form of transmission.”
