One of the busiest commercial hubs in the Midwest is gearing up to greet Shen Yun Performing Arts with its all-new production. Shen Yun will perform on Feb. 7 through Feb. 9 at the Detroit Opera House.
The New York-based performing arts company has become popular the world over since its inception in 2006, and Detroit is no exception.
Rob Chiarcos, owner of a construction company, said, “It was a beautiful performance. It was vibrant and it was moving—it took me by surprise. I didn’t know what to expect and it was mind-blowing.”
Mrs. Chiarcos said that the whole show was so beautiful and creative that it “kept you on the edge of your seat.” She added that loved that “every scene was a different story and kept you very interested.”
“I think that it’s important to share your culture. It’s also important to see the reality of what’s happening in a country and how people are experiencing their lives,” Susie Hovsepian, co-founder and CEO of the Paul Foundation said.
Rudi Mulder, head of a financial planning company, said, “I like what Chinese culture brings to the rest of society as much as Chinese culture likes what other society groups bring to their culture.”
According to its website, Shen Yun’s patented 3D digital technology works together with the performers to “extend the stage to infinite realms” and brings to its audience “storytelling without limits.”
“The words on the screen helped us to gain insight into the story that they were trying to share. I loved it,” Ms. Hovsepian said. “The message was very bold and really outstanding.”
Debbie Stefaniak, an accountant, said, “I was impressed that people would go and develop such an artistic piece of entertainment for people to make the public aware about the spiritual deficit in the world and how important it is to keep art, culture, and spirituality alive in the world today.”
“It’s very impressive. I think it’s about the people and the tradition,” he said. “They are incredible.”
Darren Mazurek, an architect, said, “It’s from the heart. It was very emotional, I had a little tear. … It was amazing.”
Alexis Mazurek, who works in the insurance industry, said the energy of the performance made her feel “hopeful, joyful, warm. It fills me with hope and joy for our future.”
“It sort of brings you in that energy, and you are one with the peace and the message and the hope,” she said.
In one of the story-based dances, a tale from modern-day China is presented on stage, where people of faith hold fast despite persecution by the regime, and ultimately find hope.
“It’s got to be so difficult with not being able to express oneself, one’s beliefs, as we are able to here,” she said.
Dan Watson, the former vice president of the Laborer’s International Union of North America, enjoyed the experience.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever been to anything like this,” he said. “It was unbelievable. Fantastic. The colors, the dancing, the music—unbelievable. I’ll definitely be coming back. That was really great.”
This year, as Shen Yun is set to perform in over 200 cities around the world and across five continents, the 2025 touring season is shaping up to be the artists’ busiest yet and a glorious treat for theatergoers.
