Speaking on his first impressions, Mr. Sullivan said during intermission that the performance exceeded his expectations. “It is beautiful. It’s a great work of art.”
“It carried a great message—especially in light of the oppression of the Chinese people under the communist rule,” he said. “It’s nice to see the light and the spirit in the heart of the people dedicated to bringing decent joy and goodness back into the world where it’s so desperately needed.”
Every year, the New York-based performing arts company presents a brand-new set of programs to audiences in prestigious venues around the world. Though Shen Yun has met with global acclaim since its founding in 2006, it is currently banned by the Chinese Communist Party from performing in China.
Mr. Sullivan thought Shen Yun did a great job bringing the “message [of freedom] to the world through positive entertainment.”
“It’s subtle but meaningful,” Mr. Sullivan said. He could see that the performers deliver this message “not out of adversity, anger, or hatred, but with a desire for freedom—which has been taken away from so many people.”
He thought it was amazing that “those who are under such an oppressive government still have the courage to stand up. This message can’t be silenced. You can’t silence the cry of the human heart for freedom.”
“More people need to look at their life [as] full of courage, hope, and faith—like the girl portrayed in the dance,” he said.
