GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Retired art professor, Jean Fisher, was captivated by Shen Yun Performing Arts when she watched the performance with her husband John at the DeVos Performance Hall on Feb. 21.
“I was very impressed and surprised,” she said. “The costumes, the music, the movements—it sang to my artistic soul.”
As a former adjunct art professor at Central Michigan University, Mrs. Fisher said she was impressed with the creative aspects of the performance, which brings to life tales of myths and legends—as well as modern stories—through the use of costumes of traditional Chinese dress and colors, classically trained dancers, a world-class
orchestra, and an animated backdrop.
Combined, every part of the production exists to support and direct attention to the remarkable performers, according to
Shen Yun’s website.
“I thought it was amazing how they were able to time it perfectly for each of the dances and all of the music, all of the movements,” Mrs. Fisher said.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Fisher’s husband, John, a retired administrator from Central Michigan University, commended the performers on portraying
the history and culture of China.
“I’m a linear thinker, so I'd like to go back in history and see the way it used to be and how it progressed through the times,” Mr. Fisher said.
China was once known as “The Land of the Divine,” having had a glorious culture that was believed to have come down from the heavens.
But since 1949, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) saw this spiritual heritage as a threat, and sought to eradicate it.
Then in 2006, a group of Chinese artists came together in New York and formed
Shen Yun, with a
mission to revive authentic Chinese culture—while showcasing storylines from ancient times through to the modern day through a series of vignettes.
“I was very impressed with the bravery of the production to tell things how it is right now,” Mr. Fisher said.
Mr. Fisher was referring to CCP’s persecution of Falun Dafa—a spiritual discipline that is based on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. Falun Dafa
practitioners have been persecuted by the CCP since 1999.
This modern day persecution is boldly depicted by Shen Yun in order to raise awareness.
“Courageous,” Mrs. Fisher said.
As Christians, Mr. and Mrs. Fisher said they also agreed with the lyrics that were sung by Shen Yun’s
soprano—specifically about the concepts of atheism and evolution.
“And they talk about the Creator and God and Heaven,” Mr. Fisher said. “It just so happens that with our faith, we totally agree with that.”
Reporting by Charlie Lu and Henry Jom.
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