COSTA MESA, Calif.—A pair of novelists saw Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company on Jan. 11 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Dharma Windham and his wife, Dr. Deanna Windham, who is also his coauthor, came to the sold out performance, which inspired standing ovations.
Dr. Windham said she was intrigued by how the show treated the current persecution in China. Some dances tell stories based on contemporary history. She said she felt the passion that the Chinese people have for standing up for what is right. “I really felt that it gave me a great idea that the Chinese people have for (integrity). I was thrilled to be watching, I almost felt that I was part of the culture while I was watching. I was at the edge of my seat all night.”
Dr. Windham said she saw hope in the spirituality expressed in the performance.
“The spirituality, the good always overcoming the evil. The fact that even on this plane when things don’t turn out the way that we thought, or the way that we wanted them to, everything always comes out OK.”
The Wyndhams wrote Reluctant Goddess: Kleopatra and the Stolen Throne. Dr. Windham has a family medical practice in Newport Beach.
Mr. Windham was not short on superlatives when describing his thoughts about the show. “I thought it was the most fantastic production I have ever seen in my life … It’s just really quite extraordinary. I felt very privileged to see it tonight with my lovely wife and co-writer… it is jaw-droppingly good.”
New York based Shen Yun presents, 5,000 years of Chinese culture, with principles such as kindness, wisdom, divine retribution, through sophisticated dance techniques, an orchestra joining instruments East and West, beautiful costumes and a stunning digital back drop, according to its website. More than 60 years of Communist rule in China nearly destroyed this culture. Shen Yun, formed in 2006, has three companies traveling the world with one mission: reviving Chinese culture.
Mr. Windham said he was intrigued by what he learned from the show about ancient Chinese culture and tradition and was inspired to learn more. “I got a very distinct sense of Chinese history, and how deep it is, and how far back it goes. It really inspires me to do a little more research about Chinese culture. In fact I’m looking forward to picking up some books about it, and reading about what Chinese history is all about … Directly as a result of watching this wonderful production tonight.”
Dr. Windham said she was equally stimulated by the historical aspect of the show. “It widened my scope and vision. I was so enthralled with the history, the way it was portrayed, past historical battles, or just the small hamlets, I loved that.”
Mr. and Dr. Windham were united in their enthusiastic intent to return to the show next year to learn more. “I can’t wait to see this again next year, and I think everyone should see this,” said Dr. Windham.
Reporting by Albert Roman and Sophia Bronwen
Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company will have one more performance in Costa Mesa and then in Los Angeles through to Jan. 14.
For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3WTKCEA4tE[/video]