SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Argentine Theater Icon Pepe Cibrián Praises Shen Yun’s Artistry

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Argentine Theater Icon Pepe Cibrián Praises Shen Yun’s Artistry
Pepe Cibrián attends Shen Yun at the Teatro Ópera in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 10, 2026. NTD
Epoch Newsroom
Updated:

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina—On the evening of April 10, Shen Yun Performing Arts continued its run at the Teatro Ópera in Buenos Aires, drawing audiences from the local arts community. Among them was renowned Argentine playwright, director, and actor Pepe Cibrián, widely regarded as a leading figure in the country’s musical theater scene.

After attending the performance, Mr. Cibrián shared his impressions, praising both the artistry and the emotional impact.

“It is wonderful—it’s so delicate, so sensitive, so aesthetically pleasing. The talent of those acrobats is incredible; they’re more than just dancers—they’re impressive,” he said.

Returning to the Teatro Ópera also held personal meaning for him. Having staged numerous productions there over the years, he noted that the experience was especially moving.

“I’ve performed—I don’t know—10, 12, 15 seasons with my plays here, so coming back is very emotional for me. And seeing this show is wonderful,” he said.

Based in New York, Shen Yun is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, with a mission to revive 5,000 years of China’s divinely inspired heritage and share with audiences the beauty of China before communism.

Mr. Cibrián noted that the production’s visual and artistic qualities, as well as its cultural depth, are what impressed him most.

“Its aesthetics, its movement, its delicacy, its costumes—the beauty of the performers is impressive. It’s connected to an ancient culture that maintains that physical tradition. The vocal performance is also wonderful,” he said.

As an artist himself, Mr. Cibrián reflected on his experience during the performance, describing a sense of connection rather than direct inspiration.

“I don’t know if it’s inspiration; what I found was empathy. It’s a matter of taste, and I believe my works are in good taste. We are Westerners; they are not, so there is a big difference, but at the same time there is a great closeness,” he said.

He also noted the discipline and values conveyed through the performance, emphasizing the rigor behind the artistry.

“They have it—first, a commitment, a discipline, a rigor that is very Eastern. They have that repetition, an almost mystical repetition—I’d call it ritualistic—very interesting,” he said.

On the occasion of Shen Yun’s 20th anniversary, Mr. Cibrián offered words of appreciation to the artistic director and the company.

“I would say, first of all, thank you for the creation, thank you for your imagination, and for being able to achieve that discipline and that freedom that discipline also provides. I congratulate them wholeheartedly,” he said.

For those who have not yet seen the performance, Mr. Cibrián had a clear message: “They should come, because it’s a unique show that isn’t easy to see again.”

Reporting by NTD and Olivia Li.
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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