“I’m really impressed, yes. I really like the way that it taps onto the old culture of China, but also, it’s very beautiful as well to look at.”
He said how important it is to preserve and cherish culture.
“It’s why we’re here. It’s why the Chinese culture is here and why the British culture is here. I think we need to tap on the roots and where we came from to know where we’re going to go next.”
Mr. Allan noted that the dances expressed the moral values of Chinese culture.
“I think the values of honesty and sincerity, and people respecting one another, as well. Mutual respect is very important. No matter what culture you come from, I think that’s important. I think that is embedded in what we’re seeing today,” he said.
The spiritual aspect of traditional Chinese culture came through the program. Mr. Allan said it’s very relevant today.
“I think we’ve lost many of these elements to our society that we had hundreds of years ago. We’ve lost many of that. And it’s a good way to remind ourselves—how we got here and how we should move on.”
Mr. Allan said he also enjoyed the performance depicting the present-day persecution of Falun Gong in communist China, as well as the depiction of Buddhas in the performance.
“It was sad to see the young boy who met the girl, and he was persecuted by his own people for respecting a religious belief. Let’s hope we can learn something from that,” he said.
“I think it’s respect of original culture, respect of individuals, and honesty within a culture.”
He said the music was great. “We’re right behind the orchestra where we sit. Some very talented musicians are there, so we’re really enjoying that.”
“It’s very relaxed. I think it’s relaxing, and I think it is compatible with the dance as well. Very much so.”
He thanked the performing artists for bringing Shen Yun to Birmingham. “Thank you very much indeed. You’ve helped me a lot in understanding Chinese culture and understanding life in general. Thank you!”
Mr. Allan said he would encourage friends and family to come to Shen Yun: “Come to the next one. We’re going to do that anyway. We’re going to go to Northampton to see the next one because we have friends there,” he said.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime show. You will be uplifted as a result of coming here. You will be, regardless of what you believe in your culture, you will be enlightened by this spectacle. So, come!’”
