Canada: Chinese Audience Member in Vancouver: "I Shed Tears Several Times"

Since 1998, more than thirty thousand Chinese have immigrated to Vancouver, on Canada's west coast, because of its nice weather and environment. On April 3rd, 2009, among the audience at the Shen Yun Performing Arts show, there were a number of Chinese people from China.

I felt an encouraging power

Ms. Hu Qiaoyun has been in Canada for three years, and this was her first time seeing the show. She said during intermission, "This show presents Chinese culture. It is great and touching. I felt it was good to present the belief in gods and respect for Buddha. I was very touched when seeing the coming of Buddha and other deities shown on the backdrops."

Ms. Hu said, "The connotations in the show are profound. It presents the essence of a five-thousand year Chinese culture. It is easy to understand via songs and dancing. I felt an encouraging power."

She said, "As a Chinese, I am proud of such a great show on our culture. The performers were very devoted. The programme "Heaven Awaits Us Despite Persecution," showing the man who was tortured to death, and deities coming to receive him, was very touching."

I shed tears several times

Mr. Liu is an immigrant from China who has had challenging life experiences. He is currently pursuing music and art, and said excitedly after watching the show, "The show is astounding. I shed tears several times."

Mr. Liu loves piano, and was taught to play by his mother. His family was persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since the late 1950s and suffered a lot. Later Mr. Liu immigrated to Canada and studied piano at a university. After graduation, he became a piano and music instructor.

He said, "The programmes are astounding. The show doesn't advocate using violence, but instead forgiveness and compassion towards those who use violence. I shed tears several times. I especially like the lyrics of the songs. The Falun Gong practitioners in the piece "Dignity and Compassion" didn't retaliate against the police violence, but forgave. It is very astounding." Mr. Liu said that many Chinese people have a strong retaliation mindset, due to the education policies of the Chinese Communist Party. Thus he dislikes the CCP.

Mr. Liu can tell the professional level music upon hearing it. He praised the music in the Shen Yun show, especially the music in the opening programme. He was also impressed with the dancing, especially in the ancient stories, such as Mulan Joins the Battle, The Monkey King Triumphs, and Monk Ji Gong Abducts the Bride. He also admired the costumes in the show, and felt that the backdrops were perfect as the performers came down to the stage from a world on the backdrop and later returned to the world shown on the backdrop.

The show is magnificent

Ms. Wu, who has lived in Canada for nearly three years, watched the show with several of her friends. She said, "The show is very artistic. The choreography, performance, costumes, and items used in the performance are all professional. The stage scenery is grand and magnificent. From the stage, one can see Chinese culture, costumes and art history. It is good to have westerners learn about them."