PITTSBURGH—Shen Yun Performing Arts’ authentic representation of true Chinese culture impressed retired University of Pittsburgh Professor Kunz and his wife Nancy on Saturday night at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts.
Mr. Kunz said he'd never seen anything like Shen Yun.
“I have been in China a few times and I have never been able to see something like this,” he said.
Shen Yun cannot travel to China as it seeks to revive traditional Chinese culture—something the Chinese Communist Party has for decades sought to destroy.
“I’m very impressed really. It’s a beautiful presentation. I really recommend for people to see it because it gives a very different image of China, especially old China,” Mr. Kunz said.
The performance is multi-faceted, layering deep ancient principles with surface aesthetics and classical Chinese dance, according to the Shen Yun website.
“Sophisticated dance techniques, an orchestra joining instruments East and West, beautiful costumes, and a stunning back drop—this is Shen Yun at first glance. But digging deeper, one discovers a sea of traditional Chinese culture. Mortals and divine beings merge on stage as one,” the company’s website says. “Principles such as benevolence and justice, propriety and wisdom, respect for the heavens, and divine retribution, all come to life, washing over the audience.”
Mrs. Kunz, a financial planner with the Commwealth Bank, was equally impressed with the full spectrum of Shen Yun’s different story lines.
“It’s interesting because some of it is very serious and some of it is quite playful so it’s a nice combination,” she said.
As stated on the Shen Yun website, “Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends and heroic modern-day epics. Shen Yun presents themes of compassion and courage with stunning beauty and tremendous energy, leaving audiences uplifted and inspired.”
Both Mr. Kunz and his wife said in unison that they would “absolutely” recommend Shen Yun to others.
With reporting by Pamela Tsai and Chris Holehouse
Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company will perform in Pittsburgh until Feb. 3. Shen Yun Performing Arts, based in New York, tours the world on a mission to revive traditional Chinese culture. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 21 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.
