(Minghui.org) Shen Yun Performing Arts presented 46 performances in eleven cities in Australia, Poland, Spain, and the United States during the week of March 11, 2024.
Shen Yun New York Company at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, Australia, on March 15. The company presented eleven performances in Sydney March 8–17, all to full theaters. (The Epoch Times)
Shen Yun International Company at the Miller Theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 15. The company presented ten performances in Philadelphia March 9–17, all to packed theaters. (The Epoch Times)
Shen Yun Global Company at the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Illinois, on March 15. The company presented five performances in Rosemont March 14–17, all to packed theaters. (The Epoch Times)
Shen Yun Touring Company at a packed house at the Keller Auditorium in Portland, Oregon, on the afternoon of March 16. The company presented five performances in Portland March 14–17. (The Epoch Times)
Philip Benwell MBE, national chairman of Australian Monarchist League, and Simon Abney-Hastings, 15th Earl of Loudoun, at the Shen Yun performance in Sydney on March 14 (NTD Television)
Philip Benwell MBE, national chairman of the Australian Monarchist League, and Simon Abney-Hastings, 15th Earl of Loudoun, saw Shen Yun in Sydney on March 14.
“I thought it was amazing. Quite outstanding. The choreography was tremendous. The way in which the animated interfaced with the practical was really amazing,” said Mr. Benwell.
“I think hope comes across. And for me it comes across quite well... You know, looking towards the future. Hope, you know we all have hope instilled in us, we just need it to shine,” said Mr. Abney-Hastings.
Delaware State Representative Lyndon D. Yearick at the Shen Yun performance in Philadelphia on March 17 (The Epoch Times)
Delaware State Representative Lyndon D. Yearick saw Shen Yun in Philadelphia on March 17. He also presented a certificate of recognition to the company.
“It’s amazing. Divine, majestical, beautiful, powerful, engaging,” Mr. Yearick said.
“The persistence, the hard work, the history. It’s just an amazing show that can portray 5,000 years of a dynamic culture and country.
“The artistry is magnificent. The visual, the dance, the music, it puts it all together.
“The universal truths, kindness, humility, civility, hard work, truth, faith, do the right thing, look out for your neighbor, take care of your enemy, pray, hard work, perseverance. But the universal truth of kindness and those are traits and honesty and the commitment that regardless of our country, our culture, our language if we could all embrace that and practice that more and more.
“We live in a small world. This is a very small world. And those universal truths of faith, kindness, honesty, empathy, compassion, which the show brings forward, that if we can just practice those every day, the world would be a better place one person at a time.
“I would 110 percent recommend it. It was great to hear that there’s a different show each and every year so that it’s not just one show and you’ve seen it all. It’s a new performance and a new history [lesson]. It’s a history lesson each and every year under the principles of truth and kindness. Do the right thing. Look out for your family. I look forward to being here next year,” he said.
Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens at the Shen Yun performance in Costa Mesa, California, on March 16 (Screenshot from NTD Television)
John Stephens, the mayor of Costa Mesa, saw Shen Yun’s matinee in Costa Mesa on March 16. He also presented a certificate of recognition to the company to welcome and honor the artists for their efforts.
“I loved the show; it was beautiful. It’s wonderful to have this great culture in Costa Mesa because we’re the city of the arts,” Mr. Stephens said.
“I liked how colorful [the performance] was. The dancing was beautiful and the multimedia—how they bring live action [together] with the animation—it was really quite something.
“The dancers were wonderful. They were so expressive. Every dance had a theme, and every dance was telling [us] something. To be able to see that expressed through dance, beautiful colors, and beautiful costumes was really a great thing,” he said.
Referring to the spiritual aspect of the performance, Mr. Stephens said he was very intrigued by the ancient Chinese belief that everybody originated from the heavens. “There was divinity on that stage for sure,” he said.
“Unfortunately, this show [can’t perform in China.] I think it’s terrible. Everybody should be able to see this beautiful artwork and dancing. It’s a shame that people in [China] can’t see it,” he said.
“I wish they could see it and see what kind of impact it has on the community. Costa Mesa is very multicultural. I was sitting there and thinking of all the different cultures that we have in this city. We’ve got a real melting pot here.
“Having this performance come here is really special, and it’s really on brand with our multicultural city. I would say thank you [to the performers] for bringing your art to Costa Mesa. I admire you. I could never do what you can do, and it’s a real gift that you’ve given to our community,” Mr. Stephens said.
Ángel Alda Pérez, Deputy of the Parliament of La Rioja in Spain, extended a welcome letter to Shen Yun prior to the company’s performances in Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, on March 13 and 14. (Courtesy of Ángel Alda Pérez)
Ángel Alda Pérez, deputy of the Parliament of La Rioja, extended a welcome letter to Shen Yun prior to the company’s performances in La Rioja’s capital on March 13 and 14.
“I want to welcome the Shen Yun group to La Rioja for another year. It is a pride and a privilege to be able to host this important show at a national and international level once again in Logroño,” he wrote.
“The fight against communism must be fought in all areas, and cultural is one of the most important,” he added.
“Thank you for getting your message to every corner. I wish you the greatest success,” he wrote at the end of his statement.
Alberto Asarta Cuevas, member of the Congress of Deputies and retired Major General, and his wife Clara Pedraza at the Shen Yun performance in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain, on March 17 (The Epoch Times)
Alberto Asarta Cuevas, a member of the Congress of Deputies and retired Major General, and his wife Clara Pedraza saw Shen Yun in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain, on March 17.
“I undoubtedly like Shen Yun very much. I was moved by it. It deeply touched me,” Mr. Asarta said.
“This magnificence and glory come from many aspects, including dance, choreography, costumes, music, and spiritual inspirations, because Shen Yun brought us into tradition and be in touch with the cultural essence that was accumulated through generations of humanity.
“I think the messages delivered by Shen Yun are very important. Any message that can bring the world peace, stability, rationality, and serenity is very important,” he said.
Geographer and professor Daniela Szymańska at the Shen Yun performance in Toruń, Poland, on March 12 (NTD Television)
Daniela Szymańska, geographer and professor, saw Shen Yun in Toruń, Poland, on March 12.
“The performance was very poetic. I didn’t think the backdrop could have special effects like this. Truly very amazing scene. This exceeded my expectations. I’m very emotional, as if being on the top of a mountain. I couldn’t help but cry,” Ms. Szymańska said.
“[Shen Yun’s energy] comes from sincerity, kindness, and compassion. I think, this is within every person’s heart,” she said.
Charles Hindsley, former lead tenor at New York City Opera, at the Shen Yun performance in Philadelphia on March 16 (NTD Television)
Charles Hindsley, former lead tenor at New York City Opera, saw Shen Yun in Philadelphia on March 16.
“It was phenomenal. I would not hesitate to see it again... Top quality. The best,” Mr. Hindsley said.
“The music is not that easy — what they took on. Very good, excellent,” he said.
Douglas John Virsila, producer, at the Shen Yun performance in Rosemont on March 15 (The Epoch Times)
Producer Douglas John Virsila saw Shen Yun in Rosemont on March 15.
“Their timing was precise and flawless,” Mr. Virsila said.
“The dancers and the entire production were so precise and had so much discipline. Truly fascinating… Their group dances were so appealing,” he said.
For more information about performance times, locations, and tickets, please visit www.shenyun.com.