LONG BEACH, Calif.—Since its inception in 2006, New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has become a global phenomenon. Several audience members who saw the matinee performance at Terrace Theater on March 30 said they had been waiting years to be able to see Shen Yun, some with plans that had been postponed by the pandemic.

Among them were Laura Nelson, who works for the Arts Council for Long Beach, and Ken Nelson, a quality manager in the aerospace industry.

“Actually, he’s been wanting to come since it opened,” Mrs. Nelson shared. For many reasons, the couple were finally seeing it for the first time this year and were greatly impressed.

“And how they’ve been flowing down after generation and generation,” Mr. Nelson added.

Mrs. Nelson said a book had been featured in the performance that piqued her interest. While many of the stories were historical, a contemporary piece about people of faith who face persecution by China’s communist regime.

Touched by the message of kindness, Mrs. Nelson said she would look it up herself because she wanted to know more about the beliefs driving these artists.

“I think I might want to read this and see what the message is and see how it fits into our everyday life,” she said. She felt the kindness of the artists was an antidote to modern selfishness and divisiveness.

Mrs. Nelson said she would share her thoughts with the Long Beach Arts Council and encourage others to come.

“We’re going to be talking all about the show,” she said.