STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Members of the Swedish parliament attended Shen Yun Performing Arts performances in the first of two cities that Shen Yun will be visiting this year.
Parliament member Nima Gholam Ali Pour enjoyed New York-based Shen Yun for its ability to bring Chinese culture to life.
“It was quite an overwhelming experience. This is my first time attending such an event and witnessing classical Chinese dance,” said Mr. Gholam Ali Pour.
“I’m familiar with Chinese culture and the story of the Monkey King from various readings. Seeing it brought to life on stage was extraordinary,” said Mr. Gholam Ali Pour.
Today’s China is very different from the China that was once ruled by emperors and conquered by great generals. Mr. Gholam Ali Pour appreciated the wholesome portrayal of China.
“I'd say it’s an incredibly impressive show that offers a fuller picture of China as a whole. Different from today’s China and the suppression by the communist party,” he said.
Due to its honest portrayal of present-day China, Shen Yun is unable to perform in China.
“It’s appalling. Such an incredible performance being censored, why would that be? It highlights the severe limitations on freedom of speech in China and its dictatorial regime,” remarked Mr. Gholam Ali Pour.
“You can truly appreciate the beauty and grace of the dancers ... these dancers have truly dedicated a lot to make this very exquisite,” commented Mr. Gholam Ali Pour.
While enjoying the performance, Mr. Gholam Ali Pour also observed other audience members. He could tell that he wasn’t the only one impressed with what he was experiencing.
“Observing the audience, I noticed people seemed quite joyful today. And it’s evident [the artists have] devoted many hours to this. I believe that’s why many are simply overwhelmed by it all,” he said.
China was once known as the land of the divine. Shen Yun uses dance and storytelling to portray the spirituality and values that were once present in China.
“It’s relevant because we need more moral guidelines in society to steer people in the right direction,” commented Mr. Gholam Ali Pour.
He also expressed his joy in seeing the audience accept the beauty presented in the performance.
“It’s lovely that people can appreciate the aesthetics of it all—and then absorb it, not just dismiss it and walk away,” he said.
Joar Forssell, also a member of parliament, works closely with policies concerning China and its neighboring countries.
“I sit on the Foreign Affairs Committee and work a lot with policies concerning China, but also Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other countries in the region,” said Mr. Forssell.
Mr. Forssell expressed that seeing Chinese culture presented so beautifully in Sweden is incredibly refreshing,
Before Shen Yun arrived in Sweden, Mr. Forssell had first-hand experience of the oppression of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
“It is true that the CCP is a party that oppresses Chinese people in China, but also people in the whole world. It’s something that affects people here in Sweden as well,” said Mr. Forssell.
