REVIEW: Shen Yun – SEC Armadillo, Glasgow
The background to Shen Yun is an interesting one. Branded by the Chinese government a ‘cult’, it has been dubbed the “singing and dancing face” of the Falun Dafa spiritual movement, a group that has an estimated 70 million followers. Under leader Li Hongzhi and outwith Communist Party control, it has proved to be a huge headache for the Chinese government. Li was forced to flee China and take up residence in New York state. Despite living outside China, it has encountered interference as it travels around the globe, with shows being mysteriously cancelled at the last minute and protests outside venues. Expanding from its origins in 2006 in the US, Shen Yun’s popularity is such that it now comprises eight troupes, touring to over 200 cities in 20 countries worldwide.
Shen Yun aims to bring Chinese culture and spirituality through traditional music and classical dance to the world, reclaiming a lost heritage in existence for over 5000 years. It follows the ancient Chinese belief that art should be used to cultivate virtue, to celebrate the divine and nurture goodness. Each of the performers aims to follow these beliefs. They draw inspiration from the spiritual practice of Falun Dafa, meditating together, studying teachings together and strive to live by the principles of truth, compassion and forbearance.
Each year marks a completely new show and this year the evening is hosted by Samantha Song and John Perry who provide background to each piece in both English and Chinese. They share some of the principle beliefs and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Shen Yun. Moving from region to region, theme to theme, with some familiar Chinese folk tales, including the world-famous Monkey King illustrated, the dances are executed to perfection and the synchronisation is sublime. The dancers show remarkable self-discipline when performing these jaw-dropping moves on stage. The ease of their movements belies the difficulty of the choreography.
The dancers are accompanied by a large, fine-sounding orchestra “where East meets West”, and the programme includes a stunning performance by virtuoso erhu player Kai Xi, delivering an astonishing range of music from the two-stringed instrument and tenor Songlin Shi, whose song demonstrates the most overtly stated spiritual beliefs of the movement.
The costumes are recreated with historical detail firmly in mind. They bring back the authentic colours and styles of China’s different dynasties, regions and ethnic groups. They are simply beautiful.
Over 18 set pieces, performed in front of an interactive, projected screen, the evening flies by at pace. It is a stunning show of artistic perfection suffused with spirituality. A feast for the eyes and soothing to the soul.
Shen Yun continues to tour the UK.
