(Clearwisdom.net) New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts' run of seven shows scheduled for Hong Kong on January 27-31 sold out in five days. Just a few days prior to the first performance, on January 21, 2010, the Hong Kong Immigration Department denied entry visas to six key members of the Shen Yun production staff. Unable to execute the show's complex stage set-up without these key members, Shen Yun was forced to cancel all seven of its shows in Hong Kong on January 23, 2010.

Many Hong Kong citizens are disappointed at the cancellation. Ms. Wu said, “I was surprised it happened in Hong Kong. I am very disappointed. I thought Hong Kong was a free land. This incident has damaged the image of Hong Kong in international society” Ms. Wu hopes that the Shen Yun show will be held in Hong Kong in the future. “There is no other such high-level classic show in Hong Kong.”

This gentleman is disappointed upon hearing the bad news

Many politicians in Hong Kong also took note of this incident. Ms. Yu Ruowei, a Hong Kong legislator, who planned to see the show, sent a letter to a government official, requesting justification for the visa denial.

Ms. Yu pointed out that the government did not give Shen Yun Performing Arts enough time to appeal and handle the situation. She also said, “All the large-scale shows need a team which has been trained for a long time so that the team members can collaborate well. The show is a team effort.” She said that it is impossible to find substitutes in such a short time.

Ms. Yu called upon the government to give satisfying reasons for the denial

Ms. Yu wrote to the officials in charge of this issue, asking if there had been cases like this before. “Some world-famous bands come to Hong Kong. You can't say we have guitar players in Hong Kong, then deny the visa application of the guitar player in that band. I really want to know if it has happened before.”

Ms. Yu emphasized that the government should not limit the freedom of art shows for political reasons. “We hope that the government will explain if they would deny the visa applications from the members of other performing arts groups. Would the government tell other performing arts groups that they must hire local technicians?”

Ms. Yu said, “We must show people that Hong Kong has laws and freedom. We cannot make others feel that the government is trying to suppress certain groups.”

Although the shows were canceled, many Hong Kong citizens believe that Shen Yun Performing Arts will someday perform in Hong Kong.

Ms. Chang said, “I've seen this show. It is fantastic. But my family, who live in Mainland China, did not have the chance to see it. This year, I bought many tickets for my family and friends in China, trying to give them a surprise. But now I am very disappointed, and I felt sad for Hong Kong. It is a great chance for Hong Kong citizens to see the beautiful Chinese culture.” “Shen Yun is great. I have confidence in them. So, I believe they will come to Hong Kong in the future,” Ms. Chang said.