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Around 140 different cultures are represented in the leafy southern city, from Europe and the Americas to Asia, and more recently, the Africa’s and the subcontinent.
The variety of cultures, foods and lifestyles has created a city passionate about dining, the arts and live theatre and music.
Autumn in Melbourne with its crisp days and cool nights is also the best season in the affable city so it is fitting that the Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company should continue the Australia leg of its 2011 world tour in the sociable city.
The New York-based performing arts company is dedicated to reviving traditional Chinese culture and is accordingly unique in its mix of Chinese and Western influences.
Hot on the tail of a successful fortnight and more in Sydney, Shen Yun brings with it a repertoire of ancient and contemporary tales representing China’s 5,000-year history with unforgettable dance performances, superb singing virtuosos and wonderful musical maestros.
The Shen Yun Orchestra with its original music scores combines the exoticism of traditional Chinese classical instruments with the melody and familiarity of Western classical music.
While in Melbourne, Shen Yun will perform at the heritage listed Regent Theatre situated in Collins Street, right in the heart of the city.
Known as the people’s palace, the Regent Theatre has a capacity of over 2,000 people and has been host to a range of world class musicals, including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, Fiddler on the Roof, Annie, Disney’s The Lion King and Wicked—The Broadway Musical.
The theatre, however, will be lifted to new levels in hosting Shen Yun. According to the Shen Yun website, traditional Chinese culture believes that humanity and the divine are intertwined.
With their dedication to a true revival of Chinese culture, “the idea is built right into the name,” says the website, "Shen Yun," which in context translates as “the beauty of divine beings dancing.”
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has three touring companies that perform simultaneously around the world. The International Company is in Melbourne now for a six show run till Sunday, March 6. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org
