ADELAIDE, Australia—Drawing crowds from far and wide on a beautiful autumn day, Shen Yun Performing Arts opened at Adelaide Festival Theatre, on April 19. A few clouds could not dull the energy on stage nor the audience’s appreciation.

Betty Melville, now retired, was once the president of the Royal Flower Council of Australia, which took her to many different countries, where she studied and received certifications in floral design. She said she was instrumental in introducing fibre optics to hospitals in Western Australia, travelling to other countries with doctors in this field, and learning new technologies to bring back to WA.

Although Ms. Melville has travelled extensively and had a full life, owning a number of businesses along the way, she has never been to China. She admitted she had some fear of today’s China and said it was sad the way some people are treated today.

She said she really appreciated seeing Shen Yun. “I enjoyed it immensely. I love the tradition and the movement.”

Ms. Melville explained that she had really wanted to see Shen Yun, to see some Chinese culture.

“Chinese is what I really wanted to see ... so I really, really loved it.”

The New York-based Shen Yun’s mission is to revive traditional Chinese culture, which has been systematically destroyed under communist rule.

The company’s website explains, “For 5,000 years divine culture flourished in the land of China. Humanity’s treasure was nearly lost, but through breathtaking music and dance, Shen Yun is bringing back this glorious culture.

“Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey … Its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired.”

Ms. Melville was touched by the splendour of the ancient Chinese culture, especially knowing that is has been almost destroyed. Speaking about the Chinese people today she said, “It saddens me … that they’ve been deprived of this amazing culture … it saddens me.”

But overall Ms. Melville was enthralled by Shen Yun’s beauty.

“Amazing … it is amazing to put it together in such an accurate and beautiful way, you covered all areas.”

With her background in technology and floral displays, Ms. Melville was most impressed by the state-of-the-art digital backdrops.

The company website says, “The backdrops are magical windows to completely different realms. From vast open grasslands in one dance to the stately elegance of Tang Dynasty pavilions in another; from dusty yellow battlegrounds to tropical beaches to Himalayan peaks to picturesque scenery of the Yellow River Delta—the digital projection infinitely expands and transforms the stage.”

Ms. Melville said, “It completed everything! The package was very, very complete and you’ve got a good story of what is happening, what was happening, and it’s educational as well, but I look at things as a whole and you captured the whole with the program.”

Reporting by NTD Television and Leigh Smith

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts. 

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.