MANCHESTER, UK—Shen Yun Performing Arts presented traditional Chinese culture that delighted the audience at the Palace Theatre on Jan. 17. Michael and Louise Sherry, both attorneys, attended the performance with their son Raphael, a student.
Raphael liked the traditional culture he saw on stage. “Very, very good. It’s really nice to see the culture. I thought it was nice to see dancers from so many different places and that it’s all being preserved, that it’s still being performed, even today,” he said.
Mr. Sherry said, “I’m particularly interested in the preservation of culture because the world is losing so many cultures. To see an effort being made to preserve so many different varieties of culture from within China, it’s great to see.”
The universal values of family, love, and compassion met with his approval. “Of course, yes. That goes without saying.”
Raphael noted the values of discipline and honor as displayed in the stories. “It’s very important, I think. It’s something in the West that now is sometimes forgotten, you know, working hard and being disciplined, and I think that’s important,” he said.
He said, “The Roman Catholic religion teaches that there is part of the divine in all religions, so we’re aware of the value.”
Both Mr. Sherry and Raphael said they resonated with the energy of the performance, sitting close to the stage.
Doctor Wants Shen Yun to Take Its Message Around the World
Ewa Craven, a general practitioner doctor, attended with her daughter Alicia. Both enjoyed the interaction of the 3D backdrop with the performers as they jumped in and out.
“It’s interesting,” she said. Looking at her daughter, Dr. Craven said, “I think you enjoyed the animation, didn’t you?”
Dr. Craven said her daughter also liked the artistic value of the dancers. “Very high level.”
“Yeah, she really enjoyed the animation. I think it really adds to it. So, we have a different kind of a stage thread. And I’ve not seen it done like this before, so it’s interesting.”
Dr. Craven said she experienced the suppression of communism, similar to the dances in a modern setting.
“Yes, I have. I’m from Poland, so the communist scene really resonated. I’m a child of the 1970s, I really understand that, and I found that very moving indeed,” she said.
“I should have realized, but [Shen Yun] is not being allowed to be performed in China, which is sad, isn’t it. But taking it around the world is really important. It’s really important, and I think for them, it must feel very special.”
She said reviving traditional culture in today’s world is important. “I think it’s very relevant. I think keeping the traditions going. [Alicia] goes to a Polish school, and she does some Polish dancing. I think it’s really important for the younger generation.”
Shen Yun Performing Arts is now touring its all-new 2025 production to over 200 cities across five continents, and this proves to be its most engaging ever.
