BERLIN—Mr. Rolf Berndt, Executive Director of the Naumann Foundation, attended the Shen Yun Performing Arts New York Company’s closing show at the Internationales Congress Centrum Berlin (ICC).
The Naumann Foundation is an important part of Germany’s past, as it was established by Theodor Heuss, the former German federal president. The foundation promotes liberal politics, liberal democracy, economic freedom, rule of law, and respect for human rights.
Mr. Berndt’s background gave him great impetus to watch Shen Yun.
“I’m thrilled to have seen the Shen Yun performance,” he said. “The two-and-half hours of a genuine program about China’s culture—the language, the grace, and dances that span 5,000 years of China’s history—were a time well used.”
“It is my greatest pleasure to have seen this show for the first time in my life,” he added.
Shen Yun begins with a base of classical Chinese dance, one of the most difficult dance systems to master in the world. The dancers, adorned with handcrafted regalia, are accompanied by digital backdrops and an orchestra that combines classical Western instruments with traditional Chinese instruments, some spanning back nearly as long as the culture itself.
“Through the universal language of music and dance,Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture,” states its website. “Its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired.”
Mr. Berndt said the divine aspects of the performance and culture, and the scope of what was presented, were impressive.
“We experienced how China’s language and culture developed over millennia,” he said. “I’m touched that I was able to be part of this experience today.”
Several dance pieces show the situation in modern China, one that is repressive under communist rule. Shen Yun formed after the Chinese Communist Party nearly decimated the ancient culture, and the New York-based company is unable to perform in China as of this writing.
The pieces show how practitioners of Falun Gong, a meditation practice based on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance, are still being persecuted after a campaign by the communist party was launched in 1999 against the 100 million-plus practitioners.
“Falun Gong practitioners have held firm to their beliefs and have continued to expose countless injustices through peaceful means,” according to Shen Yun’s website. “Their spirit of compassion and tolerance manifest the very essence of China’s 5,000-year-old divine culture.”
Mr. Berndt said he’s aware more than ever “that everyone has the right to enjoy one’s culture.”
“Everyone has the right to be aware of ones traditions and no one should forbid that,” he added.
The entire performance connected with him.
“I will take with me a new understanding of China,” he said, “and have much to reflect on concerning that country.”
“I will tell everyone about this show and tell them to go and see it in Frankfurt or anywhere else where Shen Yun performs,” he added. “I’m looking forward to see the show next year.”
With reporting by Alexander Hamrle
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
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