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San Jose Audience Members Profoundly Touched by Shen Yun Performing Arts: "A Renewing Experience" (Photos)

May 20, 2009 |   Compiled by Clearwisdom staff

(Clearwisdom.net) Mr. Vizinau, marketing specialist and owner of his own company, was in the audience at the San José Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday afternoon, May 17, pleased to experience the authentic cultural heritage of classical China.

Mr. Vizinau and his wife

Mr. Vizinau said the show was excellent. "I thought it was a wonderful performance. What was most important to understand is the connection between Chinese Americans and the Chinese culture, and the efforts put forth by Chinese Americans to really get it, and do it in the tradition of the true Chinese culture," he said. "And I find that it was very sincere and very heartwarming.

"Evidently, with the communist rule in China, especially as it pertains to this production, being of a divine nature, it would have presented some challenges in China to focus on a divine production. To have the blend of the two was remarkable. Several of the performances touched me in different ways, and so each of them brought something unique that I could relate to."

The backdrops are a key element of each performance, something Mr. Vizinau enjoyed. "I thought the overall visuals and the props were very creative. It was not overdone, and it was not underdone. ... The [backdrops] project eda feel and a sense of location. It was very effective and very creative in the way that they did it," he said.

Commenting on the dance "Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution," a glimpse into contemporary China and the persecution of a Falun Gong practitioner, Mr. Vizinau said, "The persecution and suppression of the freedoms of speech, expression, and the arts is important to me. I think that, through a process like this, it's educational for the Chinese side, the side in China. The more of this that takes place, the more you have an impact in educating those in China to understand that there is no harm in the belief in the divine. I am a believer in the divine myself."

Buddhist Monks Moved by Shen Yun: "It's a Spiritual Performance"

All the monks from the Santa Clara Buddhist Temple came to the show on May 16 and 17.

The temple's abbot, Master Buddhi, originally from Sri Lanka, was very excited to see the show. "The show was very beautiful, and we feel it's a spiritual performance, very good, very nice."

Temple Abbot Master Buddhi, originally from Sri Lanka

Master Buddhi continued, "I am very happy we were able to come today. All the monks from the temple came to see the show. I have read about China's culture and history. It has a very strong, very old culture."

He added, "China was a Buddhist country before, a long time ago, and all the stories were based on legends that are based on morality. Basically, if you do good, you are protected. Even if you are in a bad situation, external powers can come in to help you. Even through the songs, the messages go to the deepest level of your mind. I am very happy we were able to come."

Another Buddhist monk, Waaira Buddhi from Atlanta, Georgia, said he thought the show a very beautiful. "I enjoyed it very much. There is a lot of spirituality. It's very traditional. I enjoyed it very much."

Former Chair of an Historic Commission: Shen Yun Performances "So Beautifully Done"

Mr. Pedretti, retired chair of a county historical commission, said watching Shen Yun was a wonderful experience. "It was just so beautifully done, so entertaining, and so imaginative and creative. It was a wonderful experience to see and participate in."

Mr. Pedretti enjoyed the ethnic dances of the Yi, Mongolians, and Tibetans, and the water scene. "Those are very spectacular and so beautifully done."

Mr. Pedretti mentioned the Monkey King tale, "The Monkey King Triumphs," saying, "The different trials and tribulations that the monkey has to go through in his journey and some of the creation stories I was familiar with. ... It was a renewing experience."

He felt the message in the show, "Harmony with oneself and harmony with nature. And the balancing of all the elements of one's life. I think that came across."

Mr. Pedretti was moved by "Drummers of the Tang Court." "As they pointed out--the healing [power] of the drum, and that resonates with people and that was the most inspiring."

Attorney Appreciates Glimpse into China's Classical Culture

Anna, an attorney from San Jose, truly appreciated the opportunity to see the sights and sounds of ancient China. She said the show was "fabulous."

She was affected by the dance "Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution." "I thought it was really good. It was really expressive and traditional, so I thought it was really nice, very exquisite."

The exuberant spirit of the dance "Welcoming Spring" impressed her. "It was just so simple and so elegant," she said,

She also commented on the orchestra, saying, "All of the instruments are absolutely beautiful."

The unique, vibrant backdrops were something that she had not seen before. "That was unique. ... That definitely brought a different touch to the show."

Anna appreciated seeing a glimpse of China's classical culture. "I think your show brings some of that culture to us for those who haven't had a chance to explore. I think this brings some education [about] the real culture of Chinese dance."

Source: http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/16938/
http://theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/16959/
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