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He was deeply impressed after watching the New York-based Shen Yun show that brings China's 5,000-year history to the stage, gleaned from stories handed down through the centuries to present day China and portrayed in song, dance and music.
"It was especially moving and touching for me to realize that people are searching for their roots," Mr. Albrecht said. "I have a special connection to a search such as this, to seek one's roots. Such things are generally deeply hidden and very hard to revive and reconstruct."
He was deeply impressed, especially with the last scene that showed on the hi-tech modern backdrop a tsunami on its way to destroy a city.
"This particular display could also be construed as a wonderful beginning. It tells us that the bad waves that seem to overpower us and which we really don't recognize will be stopped one day," said Mr. Albrecht.
He is certain that the goodness will win in the end as depicted in the performance that has at heart to revive traditional Chinese culture, thought to be bestowed upon mankind by the gods.
Mr. Albrecht was also most captivated with the exquisite attire of the dancers and made special mention of the traditional folk dance scenes.
"There is a saying in my area which tells that people in the countryside have talents much more visible, because they have not been overpowered by higher education.
"There were some scenes that give a view of the countryside, music and culture develops from there. In the cities, such performances are refined and adapt themselves to a higher culture. But, again the beginning is in the countryside."
Today, many want to return to their ethnic roots which Mr. Albrecht has recognized for some time.
"Ethnic differences are at times rather interesting. Today, we are finding more and more that people return to their ethnic roots. One returns to the simplicities … the small flowers."
The Shen Yun performance reflected for him a story about the past and what the future holds.
"Just as it is said, there is no future without a past. We are what we are, or better we are a product of where we came from," Mr. Albrecht said. "One has to re-educate the people so they can return to their roots.”
Reporting by Rosemarie Fruehauf 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
