Wednesday 5 May 2010
Our guest speakers were Alice Wang and Sophie Xiao who spoke to us about Shen Yun Performing Arts. Alice and Sophie were introduced by PP Roger Vince.
Sophie commenced by showing us a number of slides from performances in previous years. She advised us that Shen Yun was established in 2006 in New York when a number of smaller companies were combined.
In 2007 Shen Yun started touring the world and had 200,000 people attend their performances that year. In 2009 they visited 100 cities around the world. This year they are accompanied by an orchestra for the first time. They are to perform in five cities in Australia. They have come to Sydney from Adelaide and are performing at the Big Top Theatre at Luna Park from 9 May to 19 May 2010.
Sophie advised us that under the political system in China during the last 60 years traditional values have been largely lost. Communist ideals have dominated the arts and all other facets of life. Fortunately traditional Chinese arts have been preserved by Chinese communities living outside of China in countries such as Taiwan and Hong Kong. These traditional Chinese arts are what Shen Yun presents to its audiences.
Alice then spoke to us. She advised us that Chinese culture is 5,000 years old and that Shen Yun strives to restore this ancient culture which has largely been lost in its homeland.
Alice then showed us a picture of a moon cake which is eaten during the Moon Festival and told us of the legend which is behind the festival. Alice also showed us a picture of the Monkey King and told us his story. She advised us that this story was part of Shen Yun performances in 2009.
We were assured that we would have no trouble in following the story in performances as there is an English speaking MC as well as a Chinese speaking MC and that the dancers communicate effectively through their movements. Also the program can be very beneficial in this regard.
We were advised that Shen Yun would not be welcome to perform in China as traditional arts and culture have been suppressed there for many years. In fact we were told that when Shen Yun had performed in Canberra the Chinese government had written to politicians advising them that they should not attend the show. Of course in Australia such letters would only serve to increase the audience.
After answering questions Alice and Sophie were thanked by Ray Wilson
