EVANSVILLE, Ind.—According to retired teacher Martha Rohlfer, Shen Yun Performing arts is both uplifting and peaceful. “I love it,” she said. “All of it.”

The mission of Shen Yun is to showcase the grace and glory of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization. Featuring classically trained dancers, award-winning singers, and a full orchestra that blends Chinese and Western instruments, it’s storytelling is unlike anything audiences have ever seen, according to the company’s website.

“My sister came last night,” Ms. Rohlfer said. “She was saying it’s worth it, absolutely.”

Ms. Rohlfer attended the show with real estate developer Joe Ream on Jan. 30 at the the Aiken Theatre in Evansville, Ind.

Mr. Ream stumbled upon the New York-based company at a recent visit to Eastland Mall where he saw a booth promoting the show. He said the performance was much more than he anticipated.

“I like the special effects,” he said. “The ad shows it like this, and I figure you’re going to have something, but it’s a lot better. It’s really realistic.”

Colorful, computer generated backdrops transport theater-goers far beyond the stage.

The show brings ancient myths and legends to life, and highlights the connection between humanity and the divine.

“It’s the spiritual thing we picked up on. It’s interesting, about how we came from heaven, which is incredible really,” Mr. Ream said. “It’s a good story.”

China was once known as the land of the divine, with principles like justice, benevolence, and respect for the heavens making up the core of the culture.

“I think anybody that’s missing this is unfortunate,” Ms. Rohlfer said.

Reporting by Catherine Wen and Conan Milner

New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit Shen Yun Performing Arts.

The Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.