BOSTON—Shen Yun Performing Arts entertained and educated an enchanted audience at the Boch Center Wang Theatre on April 5. Dr. Steven Nezhad and his wife, Aimee, an interior designer, brought their children to enjoy the stories, legends, and message of traditional Chinese culture.
Dr. Nezhad, a physician, expressed his view that “it’s important to learn that people are persecuted for their religion, and at least in this country we separate religion from politics, or we should.” He said he “learns from the experience.”
“It’s cultural, it’s educational, and it’s beautiful. The flow, the colors, the precision that the dancers have, it’s incredible,” he said.
Dr. Nezhad said it is “hugely important [to maintain cultural values]. We can learn from our history. We learn from our cultures. I like the description between folk and ethnic. Understanding and respecting people’s different traditions is important. We have to respect each other.”
Referring to the baritone soloist, Dr. Nezhad said: “He filled the room really well. The message is clear. I understand it. It’s divine.”
Mrs. Nezhad enjoyed the vibrant colors on the set and in the costumes. “It’s beautiful. And it’s soothing, too. It’s soothing, just like movements,” she said. “I think that it’s great that they’re keeping the culture alive and the traditions.”
She especially liked the “pinks and oranges. They were just so alive” and healing.
Mrs. Nezhad noted Shen Yun’s 3D animated backdrop that interacts with the performers to show them entering dimensions and realms.
“I love that. It really takes you away,” Mrs. Nezhad said.
Shen Yun also features singers who use the bel canto technique to sing in Mandarin. The lyrics are projected on the backscreen in English.
The most valuable message he received from the performance is “to respect each other and our cultures and our heritage, and to learn from each other and share it.”
