Shen Yun is ‘The One to Watch’ in Sydney

SYDNEY—Shen Yun Performing Arts travels the world with a mission to revive the ancient Chinese culture through classical Chinese dance and music. The Shen Yun Performing Arts International Company is currently playing at the Capitol Theatre, while the other two companies are performing in the US and Europe.

Property Manager Denisse Dufey watched the Saturday matinee on Feb. 19 with her daughter, Mbali Gampu.

“It’s very beautiful to watch,” Ms. Dufey said after the show. “It’s quite educational as well, in terms of exposing the persecution of the followers [of Falun Gong] as well.”

Many of Shen Yun’s dance legends reflect the rich and diverse cultural landscape of ancient China, and also tell stories of contemporary life in China. Ms. Dufey was referring to the dances that portray the current suppression in China of the followers of the spiritual practice Falun Gong. The dances express the artists’ longing for their traditional culture, and real-life tales of life under an authoritarian state.

Ms. Dufey commented on the contrast between the traditional theatre and the hi-tech backdrops, which are a trademark of Shen Yun.

“It’s also quite interesting to watch the backdrop and technology in today’s theatre,” she said. “Capitol Theatre is a traditional theatre, so to see that was new. It was a mix of old and new together, so that is interesting.”

Many of the backgrounds are animated to synchronize with the choreography and lyrics, and provide the landscape and setting to bring to life the stories behind their respective dances and songs.

This was the first time Ms. Dufey had seen the New-York based Shen Yun, and said that although she wasn’t very familiar with Chinese culture, she now wants to learn more.

“I want to know what I’m watching, and what is going on,” she said.

“I think everyone should get an opportunity to watch [Shen Yun],” Ms. Dufey said. “This is the one to watch at the moment in Sydney!”

Mbali Gampu meanwhile said she liked all of the show, particularly the costumes. "I liked the dresses," she said.

Reporting by Janita Kan and Rebecca Hunnisett.