SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

‘The World Needs’ Shen Yun’s Message, Says Former Actress

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‘The World Needs’ Shen Yun’s Message, Says Former Actress
Paul Sheahan and Maureen Huntley enjoyed Shen Yun's evening performance at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on May 2, 2025. Weiyong Zhu/The Epoch Times
Epoch Newsroom
Updated:
NEWARK, N.J.— Retired attorney Paul Sheahan and his wife, Maureen Huntley, a former actress and director, attended Shen Yun Performing Arts for the first time at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on May 2. It was a very memorable evening for the couple.

The production is comprised of a series of short pieces that take its audience on a ride through the dynasties and across the vast regions of China. Using classical Chinese, folk, and ethnic dances, as well as solo musical performances, the artists tell tales from ancient times to the modern day.

“I enjoyed it a lot. Very entertaining. It was great—wonderful performers, the costumes are outstanding, the technology brings so much out too,” Mr. Sheahan said.

“It’s a culture I don’t know a lot about, so I’m learning. … It’s a lovely performance.”

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

For millennia, China’s civilization flourished under the shared belief that the divine will bless those who uphold traditional moral values. Tragically, within just a few decades of the communist party’s violent takeover, these beliefs were erased and replaced with atheism.

The mission of Shen Yun artists is to return to the world’s stage—the glory and beauty of China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture.

Ms. Huntley, too, had a wonderful time. “I love it. I think it’s amazing. It’s invigorating and fun, and it’s teaching us,” she said. The dance and the music “lift my heart. It opens my heart. It’s wonderful.”

She was especially moved by the artists’ portrayal of divinity.

“The spiritual aspect is hitting me in my heart. I love it. I’m so grateful—I was surprised by it. I’m very, very happy,” Ms. Huntley shared. “I think the world needs this. The world needs this message.”

Reflecting on the artists’ story-dance piece raising awareness about the Chinese Communist Party’s persecution of the people of faith, Mr. Sheahan said, “I totally get it. I know the whole story about the persecution, and it resonates with me.”

“It’s an interesting story. It’s one I think more people should witness and get to know more about.”

Wrapping up the season, Shen Yun’s eight touring companies brought their breathtaking performances to over 200 cities worldwide. With a brand-new program each year, the company continues to offer fresh surprises for both new and returning audiences alike.

Reporting by Weiyong Zhu 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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