SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun Is ‘The Most Creatively Purposeful Thing I’ve Ever Experienced,’ Says Grammy-Winning Record Executive

Mar 30, 2023
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Shen Yun Is ‘The Most Creatively Purposeful Thing I’ve Ever Experienced,’ Says Grammy-Winning Record Executive
Amir Windom enjoyed Shen Yun's evening performance at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts on March 29, 2023. (Yawen Huang/The Epoch Times)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—Eight-time Grammy award-winning record executive Amir Windom attended Shen Yun’s performance for the first time at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts on March 29.

Mr. Windom said he felt “so connected to the purpose of this production, which shed light on so many things that are not talked about for the sake of communism and similar things that happen here in America.”

“I’m a creator myself, I am so motivated to use my creativity further, to be a voice of freedom, a voice of compassion, and peace. I’m just blown away—I’m so grateful for the visionaries to bring this to the eyes and soul and ears of us,” he said.

The New York-based Shen Yun was established in 2006 by leading Chinese artists who had fled the persecution of the communist party.

Once known as the “Land of the Divine,” Chinese people once believed that their civilization was a gift from the heavens.

For 5,000 years, China’s culture was built on the values and virtues inspired by the spiritual teachings of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.

However, after the communist party’s violent takeover in 1949, China’s traditional culture went through decades of systematic destruction.

Now in the free world, these artists are seeking to revive traditional Chinese culture and bring to the stage the glory of pre-communist China through dance and music.
Mr. Windom was especially touched by Shen Yun’s story-based dances depicting tales from ancient times to the modern day.

“I’m a father to a son. The continual sacrifice to preserve life—I saw a lot of that in the show—it is a depiction of reality,” he expressed.

“I know a lot of truth fighters in China are doing that. They’re fighting for freedom and giving people a chance to be free and express themselves. The levels of sacrifice that some people are making are just inspirationally beautiful.”

As of 2023, Shen Yun has expanded from one to eight equally-sized companies that tour the world simultaneously each year. In this season, the artists are expected to visit over 180 cities worldwide.
However, for its insistence on speaking out about human rights issues in modern  Chinese society, Shen Yun is forbidden by the ruling communist party from performing in China.
During the show, Mr. Windom said he saw “values that [he] strongly believed in.” The theme of compassion was prevalent throughout the show.
“This is an example of what I always think can bring people together—compassion, love, and care for things that may not look like you or may not be from the same place as you. It all leads back to freedom,” he added.
“This is what our world needs as a whole to further freedom. Even looking at the audience and seeing so many people from different backgrounds—I think it’s beautiful to see this many people of all different ethnicities here inspired by such a compassionate show.”
Mr. Windom, who has worked on many movies and TV shows with some of the most talented artists in the entertainment industry, said “[Shen Yun] is the most creatively purposeful thing I have ever experienced.”
“I’m just proud to be in the moment. I give so much respect to the creatives that are bringing such a beautiful masterpiece to our souls. I’m appreciative and hope that the world continues to see this and be inspired like I am—to use creativity for purpose.”
Reporting by Yawen Huang and Jennifer Tseng.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
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