NEWARK, N.J.—Shen Yun Performing Arts will once again entertain and amaze theater goers at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on April 30 through May 4.
Audiences worldwide have given their enthusiastic applause each year when Shen Yun visits and last year Newark joined in as the city prepares for this year’s all-new performance.
Robert C. Waggoner, founding member and current director of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, said, “I know some things about China, but I think for a presentation of Chinese culture for Americans this was superb. Outstanding presentation I thought, really good.”
Faith Gilger noticed how Shen Yun’s artistry connected people of all persuasions. “I just think the art of it brings everyone together, and I think everyone appreciates how beautiful [Shen Yun is].”
Shen Yun’s mission is to revive China’s traditional culture before communism.
“It’s a very good mission and a good impression. I think it’s a great goal. There are not many civilizations that are over 5,000 years old and still trying to keep their traditions alive. I think you’re doing a good job trying to revive it and keep it alive, and show it to the world,” said Nagi Nagalingam, a technology executive.
“It’s very important for people to learn about a culture, and not just about the present, but also all of the history,” said Lauren Severini, the director of finance at a study abroad program.
“I think from their passion of showing, it’s making everybody understand the past, what China had, and what’s been destroyed. You can really tell that they are looking to make everybody understand how beautiful it was,” Ms. Severini said.
Many are amazed at the skill and physical training of the performers.
George Horas, an engineer and senior vice president, was impressed with the performers’ athleticism: “I haven’t seen anything like it. They’ve got to be the best in the world, to be honest. They’re right on in sync. I don’t think I’ve seen anybody who hasn’t been perfectly in tune with one another.”
“The experience has been really interesting,” Mr. Horas said. “I never expected something like that. The creative genius of the people in the show is just absolutely perfect; the production is perfect.”
James Matthews, a computer architect of cloud technology, said he was transported to another realm. “It’s really a kind of awe and wonder. It takes you to another place.”
The opening scene as the curtain rose presented divine beings coming to earth to bring culture to humanity. Julie Maywalt, a teacher, found this enlightening.
“All people were divine and came to earth. I didn’t know that before,” she said.
To be introduced to another culture was important for Anthony Caban, a detective for New York State.
“It’s a cultural bridge between different people,” he said.
Shen Yun presents the true culture and history of China for all ages, young and old.
Robert De Block, the executive vice president of De Block Environmental Services, LLC, said what was important to him was “the message of divinity and the idea that my daughter needs to know that communism isn’t China. And the spirit and the history survives despite the challenges.”
“In today’s day and age, the message needs to be spread. That’s why I need my daughter at 8 years old to start to understand in a small way the challenges that are faced in China. We need to understand it so she can be prepared for the future, so she can stand for liberty and divinity,” he said.
“I feel I’m getting an education on it,” Lori Lindstrom, a consierge, said. “You know, I wasn’t very aware of certain things. And this opened my eyes to what’s happening in China, past and now, present.”
Ed Gilger said that Shen Yun’s spiritual message in each story “talks about perseverance, and how by living life you get through life. Through different parts of your life, you learn different things. How having thoughts and ideas and being able to express yourself is how we all get through life.”
“I see that’s what they’re trying to do. They’re trying to show China before the current communism,” he said.
Martin Hollander, a technology manager, said: “It’s fantastic. I was here last year and I’m here this year. They’re just world-class. Absolutely fantastic. You can’t describe how great they are.”
