(Clearwisdom.net) Zhang Guoli, who shares the same name as a well-known actor in Mainland China, brought his wife to the second Chinese New Year Splendor performance on January 31, 2008. Mr. Zhang, a businessman, is originally from Zhejiang Province in China but has lived in New York for more than 20 years.
During the intermission, Mr. Zhang said that although he is an avid theatergoer, this was the first time he had ever seen a show by the Divine Performing Arts. A friend had recommended it to him. He said the Splendor far exceeded his expectations, so much so that he could not recall being as impressed with the music, dance, and backdrops of any other performance. According to him, everything was done with exquisite taste and tremendous skill.
Zhang's wife was awe-struck by the vivid backdrops. She imagined that the artists must have spent a lot of time coming up with such stunning paintings. She repeatedly emphasized, "[The designers are] very devoted! Very professional!"
Zhang said that the backdrops transported him to the very scenes being depicted on stage: each time the curtain rose at the beginning of a program, the perfect, striking beauty of the scenery always overwhelmed him. The first program, "Creation," reminded him of the ancient Chinese concept of "oneness between heaven and man." He felt as if he were among gods and Buddhas in a paradise. The pagodas and pavilions floating atop clouds inspired his inner longing for a higher form of existence. Overflowing with serene harmony, the backdrops conveyed an inexplicable wonder.
In the second program, "Water Fairies," he remarked that the seemingly boundless expanse of the blue ocean on the backdrop was so beautiful that it transported him into a tranquil realm. He saw the perfectly arranged dancers wearing costumes that matched the backdrop as a beautiful picture that instantly drew him in. It was with a sense of joy that he watched the dancers gracefully glide across the stage.
Mr. Zhang said he felt honored to have the opportunity to see the Splendor and acknowledged and supported the Divine Arts' endeavor to spread the beauty of classical Chinese dance.
