ATLANTA—Dr. Siegel, a judge and a former university president, and Mr. Gilloly, a journalist, said they both thoroughly enjoyed the Divine Performing Arts show in Atlanta on December 20.
“I had a wonderful time, I thought it was an extraordinary performance,” Dr. Siegel said. “Colorful, harmonious, a good message, good theme and I think especially hopeful... at Christmas time, delightful, I enjoyed it very much.”
He thought all the pieces were memorable, with a bright conclusion: “The conclusion ... will be with me for a long time—full of color and light and a message of hope.”
Mr. Gilloly also shared his thoughts: “I have to say the one that sticks with me is when the bad guys turn their backs and emblazoned on their backs is the hammer and the sickle of chairman Mao [Persecuted on a Divine Path]. And that was quite surprising, I thought ‘oh this is not put on by the Chinese government’ ... which is good though.”
Dr. Siegel characterized the contents of the show as important: “Cultural activity is the one way we come to understand each other. That may be a principal way—music, dance, art—these are universal, beyond language, it really speaks to our humanity.”
“So I think it’s a magnificent way of coming to know each other and appreciate each other, and to feel ourselves as part of sharing the same planet, same aspirations, same goals,” he continued.
“I think the cultural renaissance [DPA is fostering] is very much in order and I think it will bring a political renaissance with it.”
Mr. Gilloly echoed Dr. Siegel’s thoughts: “The Cultural Revolution under chairman Mao tended to wipe out some of that stuff, and you saw greys, and you all had to read chairman Maos’ red book, and I don’t think this was celebrated as much. So you’re bringing it back and teaching it to a new generation, the rich history of the Chinese people, and that’s very important, very important.”
Dr. Siegel concluded the interview: “Renaissance is the term to use. Renaissance captures it well.I recommend it to everyone.”
Please see http://www.DivinePerformingArts.org for more information.
