LONDON—Jane MacDonald-Styslinger, her husband Bill Styslinger, and other family members attended Shen Yun Performing Arts at the Eventim Apollo on April 14.
Ms. MacDonald-Styslinger said her whole family was in attendance: “My father, my two sons, my niece, and my husband. He’s American, and we’re English and Scottish.”
She noted the variety of presentations. “I love the breadth of it. I love that they had singing and the piano, as well. I think doing the guys separately, then the ladies, and then having them [all together]. It just takes me back to the 1970s, there was a very popular show on television here.“ She was referring to Monkey King from ”Journey to the West," which is one of the four classics of Chinese literature.
Ms. MacDonald-Styslinger’s father said the show was “perfect. Lovely. Very good. Yes, very professional.”
Mr. Styslinger also commended Shen Yun’s patented animated backdrop, which allows performers to move between the stage and the background. “Excellent. I really like the integration between the dance and the screens, and the graphics (on the backdrop). It’s great.”
Ms. MacDonald-Styslinger also was impressed by the attention given to China’s divine culture, the connection with the Creator, and the heavenly beings. “I love the spiritual side. I think that’s what we’re missing these days. We so so miss it now in this society. This is so important, and we love that message.”
Based in New York, Shen Yun was founded in 2006 by leading Chinese artists and quickly became the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company. Shen Yun’s mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture.
Ms. MacDonald-Styslinger had special things to say to the performers: “Thank you so much. It’s beautiful. We traveled 200 miles to come here tonight. And it’s absolutely fantastic. You’re just amazing, and we love your precision. Thank you.”
“Keep it up. You’re just great,” said Mr. Styslinger.
Reporting by Mary Mann
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.