Jan 9, 2010

Massachusetts State Representative Mark Falzone (NTDTV)

BOSTON--Massachusetts State Representative Mark Falzone (D-Saugus) was among the audience members at the Boston Opera House Saturday afternoon as Shen Yun Performing Arts completed its second of four shows in Boston on its 2010 world tour. Shen Yun is truly a global phenomenon. Last year it performed in 100 cities on five continents.

Rep. Falzone enjoyed the show, saying, "I think it's delightful. I think it's wonderful to learn of some of the traditions and histories of the various cultures that Shen Yun is celebrating. And the dance and the singing and the music has all been first class."

Shen Yun is a New York-based dance and music company. According to its website, its mission is to breathe new life into traditional Chinese culture while providing audiences with an experience of sublime beauty.

While the costumes, digital backdrops, live orchestra, soloists, and dancers provide visions and sounds that delight the senses, the ancient and modern stories Shen Yun tells are equally rich in content and depth.

Rep. Falzone noticed this and expressed the significance of the stories. He said, "First of all it's very entertaining and enjoyable, but there are also many poignant stories and important stories that are told. When you look at stories such as Nothing Can Block the Divine Path which is a very poignant moment and you could tell that the audience - it really touched the audience. I know that there were many people with tears in their eyes...it's something that needs to be told and I'm glad that Shen Yun is here to tell that story."

He was referring to one dance in the performance that depicts the persecution in China of those who practice the spiritual discipline, Falun Dafa.

"As a matter of fact," he added, "at the state house every year, through the efforts of one of my constituents, I actually sponsor a resolution in recognition of the Falun Gong, annually in recognition."

Rep. Falzone said, "I think it brings an understanding. I think the Shen Yun Performing Arts brings an understanding of what is happening to various groups and tells that story. It tells the story for voices that would otherwise be silent-otherwise be powerless. And I think that story is very, very important for the greater good.

He also noted that he enjoyed learning about the Chinese culture through the show.

"One of the wonderful things about the USA is we embrace many cultures. My grandparents were born in Italy and so we all come from different cultures and one of the celebrations of the United States of America is to celebrate all of those cultures. So, I'm proud to be here to learn more about different cultures within China and to learn more about the stories that are told and the traditions."

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/27734/