SYDNEY, Australia—In what she described as a “very, very special” experience, Sydney law lecturer, barrister, author, and mom of four, Sophie York, said it was an honor for herself and her family to witness
Shen Yun Performing Arts.
“I feel that we’ve been on a roller-coaster of emotions,” York said after watching the March 7, 2020 matinee performance at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. “We’re all deeply affected by it.”
While they all enjoyed the drama, tragedy, and bits of comedy, York said her family all found the message from
the tenor who sang a song called “Foretold” particularly touching.
The song recalled how our elders predicted there would be a red scourge that would affect the morals and traditions of society, and rid the culture of these important things, York explained.
“That was very moving. You could tell that this tenor, he meant it. It was very powerful, very magnificent.”
New York-based Shen Yun has
given itself the mission of helping people reconnect with traditional Chinese culture, including its spiritual roots—those from Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian beliefs—which have been suppressed or even destroyed by the ruling communist party in modern China.
Not so long ago, Chinese people were proud of their traditions, which emphasized timeless principles such benevolence and justice, propriety and wisdom—things they saw as gifts bestowed to man from heaven. The songs and story-based dances
in Shen Yun were created to breathe life back into these aspects of Chinese culture, and showcase them to the world.
This mission was something York said she could really feel communicated in the performance.
“You can feel it. It’s beautiful. It’s visceral, the experience. It’s really wonderful.
“I just think, whoever directed this and created this, you are sharing your heart with all of us,” she said.
To those who have yet to see Shen Yun, York recommended, “Please come and see it while there’s still time to get tickets.
“You won’t regret it. You get goosebumps watching it. It’s really something magnificent.
“The whole thing is a feast for the senses.”
With reporting by NTD Television and Melanie Sun.
