SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

‘You Don’t Think It’s Real’: London Film Producer Describes ‘Magical' Shen Yun Experience

Mar 06, 2022
SHARE
‘You Don’t Think It’s Real’: London Film Producer Describes ‘Magical' Shen Yun Experience
Jimi Tihofsi at Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Eventim Apollo in London, on March 5, 2022. (NTD)
LONDON, U.K.—Watching Shen Yun was a “magical” experience, said a London-based film producer and actor, who said the show was so exquisitely produced that he almost thought it was a film.

After seeing the performance at London’s Eventim Apollo, Jimi Tihofsi said: “It’s magical! You don’t think it’s real!”

Shen Yun presents story-based dances, colorful costumes, an orchestra that combines classical Western and traditional Chinese instruments, and animated backdrops creating unique effects.

“You really think it’s a film because of the movement that they have, the way they have connected with the backdrop, and the way they connect both of them together. Honestly, you think this is not real,” Mr. Tihofsi said, adding, “Everyone should watch it.”

He was particularly impressed with classical Chinese dance. “Their bodies are so elastic that you feel as if they are not humans—that’s how they move.”

“There is something special about their body, about their mind, and the way they move, the way they dance with the music,” he said.

Mr. Tihofsi said the show brought him closer to Chinese civilization. “I haven’t been to China. ... It just brings China to me,” he said.

He said he felt sorry for people in mainland China, who live under an oppressive regime and currently cannot see Shen Yuns live performances.

“I grew up in former Yugoslavia. I know what it means when certain ideas and beliefs are suppressed and art, in general, is censored. So I know how that feels—it’s sad,” he said.

Originally from Kosovo, Mr. Tihofsi wrote and produced the acclaimed film “Kesulat,” which depicted the war in Kosovo in the late 1990s.

He said it is sad that “you have to come to London to see something so Chinese.”

“I’m lucky to see it, so I’m sorry to all the Chinese that can’t see it,” he said.

Reporting by Alexander Zhang and NTD.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
Related Topics
shen yun
SHARE