TAINAN, Taiwan—For years many theatergoers from regions and countries in southeast Asia have come to Taiwan for one purpose—to see Shen Yun Performing Arts from New York. This year is no exception as a house representative from Indonesia decided to travel to Taiwan, just so he and his wife could enjoy the performance.
“When is Shen Yun coming to Indonesia? I am certain so many will come to see it” wondered Mohammad Suryo Alam, a member of Indonesia’s The People’s Representative Council, when he and his wife saw the performance at Tainan Municipal Cultural Center on April 3.
The beaming couple gave huge thumbs up when posing for picture in front of the giant Shen Yun poster. And just before the performance, the two had purchased many Shen Yun souvenirs, which they planned to share the gifts with friends and family after going back to their country.
“I am so happy! I finally saw it,” said Mr. Alam. “I knew a little bit about traditional Chinese culture but today I finally got to see in in person.”
Mr. Alam added he had a profound realization about spirituality and faith being suppressed in China under the communist rule after seeing the mini-drama piece about the persecution of Falun Dafa.
“Some activities are banned in China,” said Mr. Alam, but believed “Gods will always come to the rescue when [Falun Dafa practitioners] are persecuted.” The presence of gods also made him believe that it was no coincidence that he was able to attend the performance today.
“Gods lent a hand for me to be here,” Mr. Alam said.
According to Shen Yun’s website, the company’s source of inspiration is the spiritual discipline known as Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong. Adherents of this traditional practice have been targeted by the Chinese Communist Party for harassment worldwide.
As for the ongoing persecution in China, Mr. Alam shared his understanding, saying, “A faith is opposed, challenged, and persecuted because it is good, righteous, and compassionate.”
Mr. Alam had a few words of encouragement to those being persecuted in China. “Be fearless and persistent as long as what you do is good and right, for I firmly believe gods will come to help.”
“It was absolutely beautiful!” the couple added excitedly.The beauty of the performance—the costumes, the music, and the animated backdrop—was a huge surprise to them.
Through classical Chinese dance, vibrant costumes, a digital animated backdrop, and a one-of-a-kind orchestra that brings together East and West, Shen Yun takes the audience on a journey from the dawn of Chinese civilization to the modern day.
Mr. Alam planned to tell his friends, “Shen Yun is here. People should go see it. It is great, a performance that one doesn’t come by easily.”
Reporting by Huang Jiexuan and Frank Fang
Article in Chinese: http://www.epochtimes.com/b5/16/4/3/n7508763.htm
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.
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.