(Clearwisdom.net) On February 6, 2008, the New York Times published in its Community section an article that seemed irrationally critical of the Divine Performing Arts Chinese New Year Splendor. The article, however, failed to have an adverse affect the show, which was staged at Radio City Music Hall. On the contrary, the theater was packed for the subsequent performances February 7-9. A few days ago, several audience members were interviewed about the performances.
(Continued)
"Watching the Divine Performing Arts makes me feel happy and peaceful"
For an individual, no matter whether the person is rich or poor, being at peace mentally is something that can be obtained only with good fortune and not by pursuit. Contrary to the misleading words of the New York Times article, many audience members who attended the show expressed in amazement that the performances brought them inner peace and happiness.
Ms. Liu, originally from Jilin Province, China, now conducts medical research. She said, "I had the greatest feeling of peace and pleasure. During the Chinese New Year Splendor, I noticed this feeling, which was really wonderful! Before I went to see the show, I did not know what I would see. I found that it was unbelievably wonderful! In the past, people in the United States considered only how economically powerful China would become. But I think if my colleagues saw this show, they would be really able to appreciate our culture. This will definitely touch their souls."
Ms. Liu's husband was once a well-known doctor in China. He has lived in New York for 15 years. "Being able to stage this show of traditional Chinese culture in Broadway's Radio City Music Hall, spending the Chinese New Year together with so many Westerners, and seeing them applaud and enjoy our Chinese culture, as a Chinese person, I felt really proud and amazed. No wonder someone has said that the more ethical it is, the more it belongs to the world. Besides, freedom of thinking and freedom of belief are very important to mankind. In this respect, it has also deeply touched my soul."
Retired educator Mrs. Thomas said that she thought the performance was something so absolutely beautiful that people almost unknowingly became interested and moved. She liked Qi Xiaochun's Erhu performance most. "She could make people close their eyes, calm their minds, and meditate, and let the music elevate them. It was really wonderful. Those wonderful, elegant classic Chinese dances also deeply touched my heart. They seemed to have led me to return to my soul's home, which is far beyond this realm!"
Seven female teachers from New York City's Public School 115 said that they had experienced an unforgettable and pleasant evening. Ms. Helen Herrick said, "The Splendor was both magnificent and beautiful. It also made people feel serene and peaceful." Ms. Danielle Wong said, "The show was really pleasant to watch. It made people feel very comfortable. I felt very relaxed and comfortable." Getzel felt that the music had the ability to soothe people's minds and was very beautiful. They indicated that they would certainly come back to see the show again next year.
Seven teachers from New York City's Public School 115 had a pleasant evening
Mr. Zhou Hongru, an experienced professional interior designer and Tai Chi expert from New York City, said that the performers "used Chinese traditional culture as the carrier and performing arts as the format" to portray eternal and shared values. He said, "Whether one is from Asia or the Western world, no matter what belief one has, they can all enjoy the performances that carry a message of divinity, and they can all accept the messages in a relaxed way and with open minds."
Mr. Zhou Hongru: People of different ethnic backgrounds and different beliefs can all enjoy this performance
"Using arts to expose the persecution is very intelligent and meaningful"
Richard, a physician from the Philippines, has some Chinese heritage. He thought that every part of the performance was "sacred."
Sara, a fashion designer, believed that seeing the Divine Performing Arts was a wonderful experience that allowed her to understand Chinese traditions and the reality of China. Sara was impressed by the dance "The Risen Lotus Flower," which depicted a young Falun Gong practitioner being beaten to death by the CCP police for protecting her two friends. Subsequently her soul ascended to Heaven. "The girl looked so delicate, but she made such a sacrifice for her friends. She finally went to the wonderful divine world. When you know that you have such a friend who can make such a sacrifice for you...it made me cry and it also made me walk out of the sorrow and feel the warmth and gratification."
Sara feels that she has been "renewed and reborn"
After seeing the show, a female doctor in biology who came to the USA from Hunan Province, China, 12 years ago, said excitedly that the show was "very good, it reflected very well on traditional Chinese values, and that 'Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance' is also a value that everyone should follow. I feel that those Falun Gong practitioners are very strong and remarkable. I believe more and more people will step forward to support them. The righteous will certainly win in the end! When I saw the two programs about Falun Gong, I was really amazed and moved."
Ms. Quan is Korean, and came to New York from Jilin Province, China. She said that what was most impressive to her was "The Risen Lotus Flower,", a dance that reflects the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. "My tears flowed. It was very painful and I had a kind of unspeakable feeling. I am not someone important, and I cannot help much in this respect. But I think that I should at least gain some understanding of it and then tell what I know to others. Why is it that the Chinese [regime] has no concern for their own people?"
Ms. Quan of the Korean nationality: "When I saw the persecution of the female Falun Gong practitioners, my tears flowed."
Chung Liwah from Vietnam thought that the Splendor was excellent, and he was very grateful to the Divine Performing Arts.
Painting artist Mr. W. came from Shanghai City, China, and said, "This beauty and compassion, which is beyond of the realm of humans, and this feeling that originates from the ancients is irresistibly convincing and touching to me."
Mr. Ronm Retanip, who works for a large bank in New Jersey as a financial analyst, hopes that the Divine Performing Arts will present the show every year in the future. He said, "The Chinese Communist Party wants to distort history and cover up the truth. But history cannot be changed, and truth is always truth. Falun Gong practitioners have exposed the true history to people and are showing a true China to the world." He believes that the principles of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" will enlighten people, make China change for the better, and guide the world and make it better.
There are many other audience members who have had similar feelings. These vivid audience responses serve not only to commend the goodness of the Divine Performing Arts performance, they are also the best way to rectify the distorted image of the Chinese New Year Splendor conveyed by the New York Times article.
February 20, 2008
