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"I will tell my guests, friends, relatives and acquaintances to go and see the show," Mr. Schenk said of the New York-based Shen Yun. The company gave performances on March 5 and 6.
Shen Yun’s story begins with a talented group of artists in the Chinese diaspora and a shared vision of cultural renewal, according to its website. Many of these choreographers and composers, dancers and singers had previously joined forces in smaller scale productions. They wanted to take their vision to a higher level. In New York in 2006, they united with the explicit mission of reviving traditional Chinese culture.
Mr. Schenk he will tell everyone that "they can't miss this show. It is a must! One has to go and see it with an open and clear mind, so one would understand what the performers are trying to tell the world.
"The artistic presentation is wonderful. People must see this show … There is so much to see. One gets to hear about ancient China, as well as what is happening in China today."
Audience members travel from the Mongolian plains to tropical lake-filled regions, from the legends of civilization's creation over 5,000 years ago to the story of Falun Dafa in China today, from the highest heavens down to the dusty plateaus of the Middle Kingdom.
Mr. Schenk spoke of contemporary history portrayed in dances that exposed the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, a group of peaceful people who value truth, compassion and forbearance. Falun Gong is a spiritual practice consisting of five exercises and meditation. The Chinese communist regime has persecuted it since 1999.
"Besides the folklore, the artists bring awareness of what is happening in today's China and highlights that there is much one can't say or do in China," he said.
Reporting by Maria Zheng and Heide B. Malhotra.
The New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
