COSTA MESA, Calif.—Sarvenaz Sharifi, the owner of an architecture firm, is no stranger to beautiful art. After attending Shen Yun Performing Arts’ opening show at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on April 15, she described the experience as perfect.
Shen Yun is the world’s top classical Chinese dance and music company. Presenting a brand-new set of programs each year, the company has been delighting audiences around the world since 2006.
Ms. Sharifi loved the deep message performers conveyed and how they used color to enhance storytelling.
“When they show how the communists, they [wore] black, attacked the people, [who] were colorful. … It was something like it was a war between life and [oppression.] It was amazing and impressive,” she said. “Life is about colors, and those colors—it was magical.”
Ms. Sharifi was stunned by its beauty and creativity. “It was good. It was the first time that [I] see a combination of that 3D [animation in] combination with the real performance. It was awesome,” she expressed.
“I wasn’t expecting to see like a 3D wall. It was awesome how the actors go in and out of that screen—it’s beautiful. … Most of the backdrops were natural views of China—the mountains, the lakes. They are so beautiful. Some of the scenes they have the cities of China, they are impressive as well.”
For Ms. Sharifi, Shen Yun showed “how culture is important in our daily life and in modern life. We shouldn’t forget our cultures.”
“Each story has its own message. It’s very good that the [bilingual hosts] of the show come and [share] this moral message. … They are very meaningful,” she said.
Chinese “culture has a lot to say. I really suggest other people to come and see this show because, honestly, it opens a door to some parts of the world that maybe we need to know more.”
If given the chance, Ms. Sharifi would like to urge Shen Yun performers to “keep going.”
“[They’re] doing a great job. Everything is great. [They] are doing something for the world’s heritage. It is not only for China, it’s to keep a part of the world’s heritage alive. Keep up the good job, and I really wish them luck.”
