INCHEON, South Korea—After seeing Shen Yun Performing Arts Touring Company’s second performance at the Incheon Culture and Arts Center on the afternoon of April 14, famous Korean novelist Woo Aeryeong exclaimed, “Shen Yun didn’t have any commercial content, and it was full of novelties. The [Chinese] history and the scenes were demonstrated at the same time in the form of dance. I also found the show was full of connotations of tolerance and compassion.”
Like most of Shen Yun’s audience members, Ms. Woo, who is the original writer of Korean film This Charming Girl, was amazed by Shen Yun’s exquisite performances. She said, “The scenery on the backdrops is so beautiful. Composed of the demonstration of history, culture and music, the performance was like live history performed in front of us. In addition, the synchronization of the backdrops and the performance on the stage was perfect.”
Fascinated by the rich connotations in the performances, Ms. Woo noted, “I didn’t see any commercial content in the show, and instead, it was full of novelties.”
She also said that watching Shen Yun would be of benefit to her creative work. “The scenery and the landscapes [on the backdrops] were really very beautiful. After seeing Shen Yun I’ve gained more insight into the Chinese culture.”
“I particularly enjoyed the last piece Divine Mercy, as it was the perfect combination of culture, mother nature and humanity. I especially liked the programs relating to Buddha. In addition, I enjoyed the program The Emperor Journeys to the Moon very much.”
She said that she was really thankful to her son for introducing Shen Yun to her, saying, “Shen Yun is beyond my expectations.” She concluded by saying that she would definitely come back to see the Shen Yun performance again in the future.
‘Shen Yun integrates arts into real life’
The president of the General Association of Korean Arts and Culture of Incheon Metropolitan City, Kim Jae Yeol (transliteration), saw Shen Yun at the Incheon Culture and Arts Center on the evening of April 14. He said, “Shen Yun perfectly presented us the 5,000 years of Chinese history. As a person who works in the field of art, I am really very touched and very grateful.
“In performing the culture, the magnificent show combines historic stories and the dynamic backdrops. It is very touching,” Mr. Kim said.
“There are a lot of restrictions for large-scale companies to perform overseas. Whether for the staff or the stage. It’s not easy to tour globally.” He said, “It’s the first time I have seen such a performance. It’s difficult to reach such a level of performance and to tour around the world. It’s really magnificent. The choreography with the dynamic backdrops is advantageous for changing scenes. I noticed it when watching the show.
“Art represents one’s life standard. The show gives people spiritual comfort. It’s really amazing. It will win the praises of many people.” Mr. Kim stressed that especially the “perfect combination of the dance and dynamic backdrops, accompanied by a live orchestra, made the stage show vivid and three-dimensional. It’s really excellent, very great!”
Mr. Kim said that Shen Yun can move a lot of people. “As a president of art groups, I felt moved that Shen Yun integrates arts into real life. I sensed that the art and the viewers are not separate. So I was extremely touched. If art can be blended into our life, I believe that the quality of life will be better. My heart has got such a consolation.”
In conclusion, he said, “Shen Yun Performing Arts is marvelous. As an art form, this beautiful show was terrific. Doesn’t art bring us vitality? It can not only sweep away fatigue, but give us hope. So I think [Shen Yun] is extremely wonderful.”
Read the original Chinese articles. [1] [2]
Reporting by Lee Zhen and Bill Xu, Kim Kyung-Aha and Lisa Huang
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
