LONDON—Faisal Shaukat, an award-winning host, presenter, and cultural entrepreneur, has made an effort to see Shen Yun Performing Arts every year he is able, renewing inspiration gleaned from the cultural performance each year.
On Jan. 7, Shen Yun opened in London at the Eventim Apollo, and Mr. Shaukat was, of course among the audience.
“Year after year, we’ve been attending ... and Shen Yun brings a new energy each year,” said Mr. Shaukat, who is also the CEO of event management company ISP Events. “To be honest, for me, it’s always amazing, outstanding, mind-blowing.”
Shen Yun, Mr. Shaukat said, “is what we all need.”
“The combination of visuals, the combination of storyline, the combination of dance, the combination of choreography, it all blends in so well together,” said Mr. Shaukat.
Mr. Shaukat was impressed by Shen Yun’s use of ancient art—such as the classical Chinese dance form or the ancient Chinese melodies used in the original orchestral compositions—with cutting-edge technology like the patented digital backdrop.
Mr. Shaukat said he was saddened the beautiful performance could not be seen in China, where the ruling Chinese Communist Party has sought to destroy China’s traditional past, but “at least these people who are outside China have the opportunity to not only witness but also to understand and connect with the heritage and the culture.”
The themes Mr. Shaukat saw in Shen Yun were universal and much needed, he said.
“It’s all about peace, it’s all about empathy, it’s all about harmony, it’s all about living together and understanding each other, have tolerance, and have some sort of friendliness in terms of the world that we live in,” he said.
These universal values from traditional Chinese culture are values the Shen Yun artists say they try to live by, and Mr. Shaukat said it showed.
“I personally believe as well that what’s inside your heart comes outside as well,” he said. “They have spent hours and weeks and months dedicating themselves to lots of rituals and practices and rehearsals ... and that truly shows and reflects all the time and the energy and the effort they put in into the performance.”
To maintain such a standard is easier said than done, Mr. Shaukat explained.
“And they’re not only maintaining it, but also changing it and bringing one level up each and every year,” he said. “The storyline changes, the costume changes, and with the presentation, it changes. So, I congratulate to everyone, everyone who’s involved in the presentation and the production, and hats off to them, to this amazing, wonderful, brilliant show.”
Mr. Shaukat urged others to grab the chance to see Shen Yun should the artists tour in your part of the world, for “you may not be able to see it because they may not tour it again.”
“Come and attend, not only bring yourself, but also bring friends and families, and just pass the word around because maybe it could be a lifetime opportunity for you,” he said. “Whenever you get a chance, make sure you grab the ticket and come and enjoy the show.”
