ANTWERP, Belgium--One couple drove nearly 200 km. [124 miles] from Cologne to
Antwerpen's renowned Stadsschouwburg on Feb. 24, to see the world class
Divine Performing Arts 2009 World Tour show.
Mr. Bathke, customer loyalty manager for a large U.S. firm, and Ms. Pelaez,
public relations assistant, were not disappointed after acting on the
recommendation of a friend to make the trip.
Mr. Bathke and Ms. Pelaez traveled from Cologne, Germany to see the show.
Mr. Bathke said, "It was beautiful and the colors were
gorgeous. [The dancers] were very graceful and very impressive." Ms. Pelaez
was also "highly impressed."
Divine Performing Arts brings to life classical Chinese dance and music in a gloriously
colorful and exhilarating show. Based in New York, this production is inspired
by the legends and values of ancient China before its erosion under communism.
Mr. Bathke has a great respect for Chinese culture.
"Since this show is banned by that [Chinese] regime, and constantly
boycotted [by the Chinese embassies] in a number of countries, this has made me
even more ready to see this show.
"Really, I am fond of Chinese culture, especially Chinese traditional
culture. It is hard for me to fathom that in a country that has such a culture,
such a treasure, [the government] could have destroyed it."
They were captivated by the multifarious and detailed features
of the show, from grand classical processions to ethnic and folk dances,
gorgeously costumed dancers bursting with color in an array of breathtaking
original costumes, Tang Dynasty gowns, imperial robes, and intricate headpieces.
"Also, stories were told in the scenes. The Monkey King Triumphs
scene and the family that lost the husband and father in Heaven Awaits us
Despite Persecution. How all of this was shown in an artistic way was very
impressive," said Mr. Bathke.
The Monkey King Triumphs is one of China's most beloved stories. A
Buddhist monk traveling to India in search of scriptures, is joined by an ogre,
a pig, and a miraculous monkey met en route. Heaven Awaits Us Despite
Persecution presents a sad reality for many millions of people in China
today, as witnessed by an innocent family whose father is persecuted for
practicing Falun Dafa, a traditional spiritual discipline.
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/12706/
Category: Shen Yun Performing Arts