ST. LOUIS, Mo.—Missouri lawmaker Ben Keathley saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on March 15, opening night at the Stifel Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri, and commended the artists for their passion and mission.

“I’m here today with all of you and I'll present you with this resolution on behalf of the Missouri House of Representatives and Speaker of the House John Patterson, along with Representatives Holly Jones, Justin Sparks, Taylor Peters, and myself,” Mr. Keathley said after the performance, gifting the artists with a framed copy of the state resolution.

Although Shen Yun cannot perform in China, where its members would face religious persecution by the Chinese communist regime, today its eight groups tour the world simultaneously each season, bringing traditional Chinese culture to millions.

“Thank you for bringing your message to the United States of a message of uplifting health and escaping oppression, and everything that you’re doing for companies and your theater performance,” Mr. Keathley said. “Bring that message to the world, not only the United States but the world. And all of you are here to bring that message to all of us.”

“And we very much appreciate all your work and we wish you all the best of luck. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”