Celestial realms of ancient China come alive

Shen Yun performers due in Auckland

Lovers of music, dance and history can expect an evening of quality entertainment as one of the most colourful chapters in Chinese history unfolds in Auckland next month.

Shen Yun Performing Arts, a perpetually travelling company of dancers, choreographers and musicians, will present its all-new performances in Auckland’s ASB Theatre at the Aotea Centre on Queen Street from April 30 to May 2.

Woven into each of the shows that are different to each tour is an intricate tapestry of colour, costume, music, dance and most important of all, the glorious past of a great nation that has given much to the world.

One of the main objectives of the company since its formation in 2006 has been to effect a resplendent revival of those chapters of bygone eras that narrate the advanced state of culture with authenticity and repertoire.

The Communist regime is obviously peeved by such a renaissance, for reasons that are political, but Shen Yun has carried on its march, visiting countries around the world showcasing a China that is more read in history books than seen in reality.

According to an organiser, the state-of-the-art backdrops transport onlookers to celestial realms and lush landscapes, while ground-breaking music combines the best of Chinese and Western composition.

“Clothing has always been an essential part of China’s divinely-bestowed culture, and Shen Yun brings this heritage to life on the stage. Each costume is meticulously designed and hand sewn, the result is a visual feast,” she said.

As a student of history, I have read that the culture and heritage of this great country of dynasties and benevolent kings matched and complimented those of its equally great neighbour India. It is only in modern times that the two have been torn apart by ideological and territorial disputes.

“Shen Yun’s performances have touched the hearts of  audiences of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicity worldwide with their stories of divinely inspired culture from ancient Buddhist and Taoist traditions to modern-day Chinese struggles, all of which evoke the wondrous messages of virtue, compassion, and strength of human spirit, leaving audiences educated, uplifted and inspired,” the organiser said.

The enthusiastic response of more than 800,000 people who watched Shen Yun 2009 in more than 100 cities round the world could not have been wrong.

If you are a true lover of arts, nothing would stand between you and Shen Yun.