San Fransisco Audiences Moved by Shen Yun Performing Arts: 'There's hope' (Photo)
(Clearwisdom.net) Shen Yun Performing Arts completed its seventh and final show at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco on Thursday evening.
David Scott
David Scott, a writer for the Oakland Post, who was there to cover the show, was visibly moved after seeing the New York-based show: "I came here to cover a story, and it was inspirational. It showed hope and it showed love, and it showed values and tradition that were passed on from generation to generation," he said.
"It also shows that there are challenges--you're not able to freely believe in what you believe in back in China. It showed that there's hope and inspiration that we can change the world." He added that we can change "oppression that has been systematically passed down from generation to generation. It showed unity and love. It's just incredible!"
Mr. Scott was referring to two pieces in the show that depict a reality in today's China--the ongoing persecution of those who practice the spiritual discipline Falun Dafa.
Mr. Scott recognized underlying themes that touch all humanity, "I didn't see color. I didn't even see Chinese--I just saw love. And values and tradition and hope--inspiration! And at the same time, oppression and challenges and overcoming those obstacles--but hope!"
Many audience members world-wide have felt a personal connection to the show.
Mr. Scott said, "It touches me so much because as an African-American, my great-great-grandfather was a slave, and he was brought here from the Ivory Coast. He fought his way. And even though he had no education, he was able to tell my great-grandfather that he could make it. And my grandpa told me I could make it.
"I want to bring every little African-American kid I know to this. Let them know that as a family we can sit together. And it's not about color. It's about where your heart is and where your joy is and where it comes from.
"Five thousand years of culture--that can't just be dismissed! It's something that everyone needs to know about. It needs to be exposed to other cultures and generations, and that's why God put me [here] to do this story, write it, and put it on the front page!"
"When [Shen Yun] comes back in July, I can hopefully sponsor 15 to 20 kids. I'll pay for it out of my pocket for them to come."
'Beautiful!'
Mr. McFarland, a scientist, and his wife, a psychotherapist, shared their feelings upon seeing Shen Yun for the first time. Mrs. McFarland said that she was deeply touched by the whole experience, "It's very moving--it makes you open your inside when you watch it. It's very beautiful."
She enjoyed the orchestral music that melded Western and Eastern compositions and instruments, a unique feature of Shen Yun. "I knew it was Chinese music, but I didn't know there was also some Western culture. ... It blends nicely. It's really unique, original, colorful, and beautiful," she said.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts presents through classical Chinese dance and music, ancient tales of heroism, modern tales of courage, and folkloric traditions from China's vast regions and 5,000-year heritage.
"It's very relaxing and beautiful," Mrs. McFarland said. "It's interesting. I'm learning things that I didn't know from watching the show."
Mr. McFarland agreed, "I like how every scene tells a little story about Chinese culture. I thought that was very interesting to understand a little bit more about Chinese culture. I know some scenes depicted classic stories, like the one about the tiger. ..." he said, referring to Wu Song Battles the Tiger.
He said he was moved by two pieces that told the story of the Chinese regime's ongoing persecution of Falun Gong, a traditional spiritual practice.
Mrs. McFarland added, "These are Chinese artists, so they're telling their story and message through their dance and music."
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