The Chinese Communist Party “destroyed the temples and so many works of historical Chinese heritage,” he said.

“Bravo. Keep up the good work,” he added.

“It was a beautiful show. I liked the rich choreography, and there was a lot of ingenuity. The special effects with the background—I’ve never seen that anywhere else. I thought it was really cool.”

Together with the company’s patented 3D digital backdrop, Shen Yun creates a magical illusion for the audience that extends the stage to infinite realms.

Reflecting on the show’s story-based dances aimed to raise awareness for ongoing human rights issues in present-day China, Mr. Gombault said the situation is very concerning.

“It’s an appalling dictatorship,” he said, referring to the Chinese communist regime.

“The lack of freedom of expression, in particular, affects a billion people. [The regime] is impossible to question. You can’t have a different opinion from that of the party, there is no plurality in China.”

Having seen communist China years ago, Mr. Gombault had hoped that with time, there would be more freedom for the people. However, as it is depicted by Shen Yun, that is not the case.

“I’ve heard of it before. It is a fine exercise in virtuosity,” he expressed. “To make so many expressive sounds with just two strings, I imagine, is not easy. My mother played the violin, and it was already complicated.”

“This is a quality show, I do recommend it.”

For its 2024 touring season, Shen Yun’s eight equally-sized companies will be performing in over 200 cities across five continents. The company can be expected to return with a brand-new set of programs every year.

Also enjoying the performance was Linda Edery, a porcelain painter. She, too, said the show was “magnificent and sublime.”

“The special effects are extraordinary, it’s breathtaking. I’ve been waiting six years to see this show, but every time I miss it because I’m never in the right place at the right time,” she exclaimed.

“The colors were alive. It’s vivid, it’s spiritual. It’s really breathtaking, it’s beauty, it’s goodness. I loved it, I really did.”

For Ms. Edery, Shen Yun’s message is one of hope and comfort. The show “is all about compassion,” she said.

“With the time we live in today, it opens a little window. [The show tells us] that there are still people who hope, people who do things so that we can attend a show like this. It’s wonderful. It should be done everywhere.”