Gloria Gao
Traditional Chinese Culture As It Was Meant To Be
"It was an extraordinary experience… exquisitely beautiful."
— Cate Blanchett
As the curtains open, a majestic scene unfolds with divine beings dancing gracefully on stage. A Buddha descends from up high and implores them to follow him into the human realm to offer salvation to the cosmos. This opening piece to Shen Yun recounts the story of creation according to ancient Chinese legend. After these divine beings descended to earth, they created a multitude of cultural traditions, one dynasty after another, that became the 5,000-year Chinese civilization.
Using fanciful music and choreography, Shen Yun takes the audience on a journey through space and time to witness the grandeur of China’s heavenly bestowed culture. In the process, the essence of the Chinese civilization is revealed through its powerful story-telling.
Based in New York, Shen Yun Performing Arts seeks to present the true cultural heritage of China that thrived before decades of decimation under communism. Drawing its rich repertory of dances from the pages of history, universal themes, and the world around us, the group aspires to create original performances that not only entertain, but more deeply educate, enrich, and inspire.
Wrapping up its 2011 world tour, Shen Yun Performing Arts will return to the State Theatre in New Brunswick for one show on October 28. During its tour on four continents this season, Shen Yun touched the hearts of luminaries in the fields of arts, politics, education and beyond all over the world. After seeing Shen Yun’s recent performance in London, Britain’s HRH Princess Michael of Kent proclaimed herself to be “completely obsessed” with Chinese culture, and said she had “a marvelous evening… I am completely enchanted.” Down-under in Sydney, Australia, Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett brought her family to see Shen Yun. “It was an extraordinary experience for us and the children,” remarked Ms. Blanchett. “The level of skill, but also the power of the archetypes and the narratives were startling.”
What: Shen Yun Performing Arts
When: October 28, 2011, 7:30PM
Where: State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave. New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Website: www.ShenYunPerformingArts.org
Photo caption: Bowl Dance depicts the hospitality of Mongolians
