Filmmaker Feels Joyful While Watching Shen Yun: ‘It’s More Than a Show’
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Filmmaker John Peter Kinkead attended the matinee of Shen Yun Performing Arts at New Theatre in Oxford, UK, on Jan. 6, 2024. Mary Mann/The Epoch Times
OXFORD, United Kingdom—John Peter Kinkead, filmmaker and owner of Ravenhill films/Hibiscusfilms, attended the Shen Yun Performing Arts matinee at the New Theatre in Oxford on Jan. 6.
“It was wonderful,” he said. Mr. Kinkead noted the importance of traditions in today’s culture. “You know, I’ve just seen a show which is uplifting, joyful, challenging. It makes you think about the values we have. And this goes back thousands of years and is based on practices thousands of years old.”
“Every form of dance draws on what was happening thousands of years ago: classical ballet, jazz, modern dance. I mean, it’s all there, you know: the movements and things. They’ve all happened 5,000 years earlier,” he said.
As an artist, Mr. Kinkead appreciated the vibrant colors and New York-based Shen Yun’s production quality.
“That’s the other thing that impressed me: the use of color, the costumes ... I mean. It’s wonderful. And the technique of the backdrop with people appearing in this arena is brilliant. Very clever,” he said.
His love of moving pictures had him noticing the choreography. “Oh, it’s wonderful. I love the choreography. I love the movement. As the performance went on, it became more challenging in the moment.”
Mr. Kinkead said the stories made him reflect on his personal values. “Well, I think it makes you think about your own faith, your own life, your own perspective. That’s what I meant when I say ‘challenging.’ It’s not just a show—it’s more than that,” he said.
Some stories highlighted the persecution of the spiritual practice Falun Dafa by China’s communist party and the principles it teaches of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, which Mr. Kinkead practices. “Well, the three principles: Yes, we could do a lot more of that in the world,” he said. “Absolutely. And that’s why I practice—because it resonates with me.”
Mr. Kinkead had a very joyful feeling while watching Shen Yun. “Oh, absolutely. I said in the middle of it, ‘It’s all about joy.’”
The male dancing was happy, he said. “The bit I thought was very joyful was from the mountains, the ethnic dance with the men. I thought that was wonderful. The [way] the men move. I used to be a dancer, not professional, but I did dance. And to see the movement [of the men] so light on their feet. And so were the women—they are just amazing, so I can’t fault it. I wish more people could see it.”
To the performers who are Falun Gong practitioners, Mr. Kinkead said, “You’re all wonderful. I mean, there’s no question. And, you know, the standard is incredibly high.”
Spreading ‘Message of Compassion’
Paul Curran and his mother attended the Oxford, U.K., matinee of Shen Yun Performing Arts on Jan. 6, 2024. Mary Mann/The Epoch Times
Shen Yun Performing Arts presentation in Oxford found an enthusiastic audience at the matinee on Jan. 6. Paul Curran, an actor, attended with his mother and said the show was “absolutely fantastic.”
He said Shen Yun provided him with inspiration for an upcoming performance. “I’m about to start a play on Pakistan next week called ‘Lifetimes Three.’ Great, great inspiration,” he said. He appreciated the performers’ hard work to put on another show that evening.
Mr. Curran noted the flexibility and strength exhibited on stage. “This really is incredible athleticism. But it was so professional, so colorful, and life-affirming.”
Through classical Chinese dance and music, Shen Yun is sharing with the world the beauty of China’s authentic 5,000 years of history. Since its founding in 2006, the company has received worldwide accolades for its mission to revive traditional Chinese culture.
The feeling of compassion throughout the performance was outstanding, Mr. Curran added.
“I think the performing arts are a very useful tool to be able to spread messages of compassion and unity, really. So it’s tremendous—tremendous. I think the company should feel very proud of what they’ve achieved.”
Mr. Curran said the orchestra and vocalists played an important part in the overall performance, especially the Chinese violin. “[the erhu] is extraordinarily evocative and powerful. The two tenor singers were tremendous.”
One tenor gave a beautiful message, Mr. Curran said. “He was singing like only the Creator can save us in his lyrics. Faith is the most important thing in life.”
Mr. Curran was impressed with the spiritual message presented at the beginning and the end of Shen Yun’s performance, conveyed in the company’s name as given on their website: “the beauty of divine beings dancing in the heavens.”
“Congratulations! That’s why I think the title of the company [Shen Yun] is particularly perfect. Very well done,” he said.
All four performances of Shen Yun in Oxford in the 2024 season were sold out, and tickets were hard to come by.
Before a performance, Michael, a scholar from California, sat in front of the main entrance of the New Theatre in Oxford, holding a sign in his hand that read “1 TICKET.” Later, by chance, he finally got a precious ticket.
Michael, a Californian teacher visiting Oxford, sat in front of the main entrance of Oxford New Theatre waiting for one ticket on Jan. 6, 2024. Mary Mann/The Epoch Times
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