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Following the successful conclusion of two performances in Brisbane, on March 18, 2007,the Divine Performing Arts Troupe once again touched the hearts of more than one thousand audience members with its exquisite and unique performance staged at Conrad Jupiter's Theatre in Gold Coast, the second largest city in Queensland, Australia. The New Tang Dynasty Television's (NTDTV) Global Chinese New Year Spectacular drew to a perfect ending in a sea of warm and enthusiastic applause and high praise.
The Spectacular gains appreciation from Queensland politicians
The same night, Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clark and his wife Helen, Brisbane Minister of Communications Cr. Graham Quirk, Queensland Provincial Councilor Ray Stevens and many more distinguished guests watched the NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular show and highly praised the outstanding performance of the Divine Performing Arts Troupe.
 Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke and his wife Helen |
The mayor said in an interview that the performance was fabulous, and the background designs were very beautiful. He liked the stage sets very much -- each program accompanied by a perfect background, and the costumes were superb. The performance was peacefully and beautifully presented. He said, "It epitomized what Chinese culture is about�"the beautiful precision, the peace, the costumes, the color, they all personified China to me. This to me is a perfect show...just top class."
The mayor's wife added that each performance was wonderful, superb!
 Brisbane Minister of Communications Cr. Graham Quirk |
Brisbane Minister of Communications Cr. Graham Quirk said that the Divine Performing Arts Troupe is composed of outstanding artists of high caliber from North America. He said that they gave a magnificent performance. They have put together an outstanding show, reflecting Chinese culture, and clearly there was a message within each performance as well.
 Queensland Provincial Councilor Ray Stephen |
Queensland Provincial Councilor Ray Stephen said that he felt that the show was really wonderful, full of bright color and graceful dancing. He felt honored to watch the performance. Among his favorites on the program was the singing of soprano Jiang Min, and the dance, "Forsythia in Spring." He said that he truly appreciated every performance, particularly the erhu solo, which was unspeakably wonderful.
 Queensland Vietnamese community leader Mr.Bui |
Queensland Vietnamese community leader Mr. Bui said that he felt that the most excellent aspect of the performance was that it reminded people of many past cultures and history. He mentioned that through the performance, we also learned about things happening in China today. For example, he said that in the dance, "To the Rightful Place," the woman was killed for practicing Falun Gong. This is a new art form, which he felt was very good, helping people in Australia learn about what is happening in China.
The audience responds enthusiastically
 |
The audience, dressed for this gala occasion, was full of hope and expectation. During the performance, they were enthralled by each program, and from time to time, there was a tangible resonance and interaction with the performers. The atmosphere was harmonious and pleasant.
When the host and hostess invited the audience to answer questions, the responding voices were always particularly vibrant and enthusiastic. When the performers did highly difficult movements, the audience would give them thundering applause.
In the performance, "To the Rightful Place," when the good person is raised up and the bad people meet with heavenly punishment, the audience could not help applauding and cheering, expressing their recognition of the law, "One Reaps What One Sows."
Many audience members said they did not know what kind of show they were going see that evening, and neither did they have some any expectations, but they had a strong curiosity and interest. After watching the performance, they felt that "absolutely wonderful" was not adequate to describe the exquisite artistic level of the Divine Performing Arts Troupe. Looking at the entire performance from many angles, including the conception of the performances, the dance skills, costumes and props, inner spiritual meaning, it was all extraordinary -- far beyond the audience's imagination, and it also touched their souls.
The audience said that they gained a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture through watching the Spectacular. The stories in the performances were very meaningful.
A woman named Anne said that she loved each part of the program. Particularly the unique dancing, with the performers beaming with smiles. She indicated the performances were so pleasing to both the eyes and the mind.
An elderly woman said she felt quite good after watching the show. She said she would call her daughter in Sydney, to encourage her go to watch the performance.
Rita was very fond of the dance, "Rainbows". She said that when the ribbons floated, they were very beautiful. It made her feel refreshed and happy.
During the intermission, one couple, after seeing the first half of the show, said that they were surprised at the Divine Performing Arts Troupe's performance. The performers profoundly expressed Chinese culture, but they were from the United States. The couple said they were looking forward to the second half of the performance. They said that there were always unexpected pleasant surprises, making the entire show enthralling.
A man named Stuart said when the curtain rose, he saw a bright, beautiful scene in front of his eyes. The costumes, dances and stage designs impressed him deeply. Right then, he knew that the performance carried weight. After seeing the show, he gained a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. He had never watched such a terrific performance.
 Esther and Frances |
Esther and Frances are two middle-aged women. They thought that the performance revealed a peaceful expression of mind, completely different from many Western performances. They appreciated the young ladies who dressed modestly, unlike modern many young ladies wearing sexy, provocative clothing.
Ms. Zheng from mainland China said that the performance reflected the ancient way of life. She enjoyed the dance describing the Dunhuang grottoes, and the dances from Tibet and Mongolia. Through these dances, she gained a sense of the long history of Chinese culture.
 Ms. Ye, Chinese high school teacher |
Ms. Ye, a Chinese high school teacher from Taiwan, brought two of her students to watch the Spectacular. She felt that the show was very educational, and fully showcased traditional Chinese culture. She said she would come with more students next year.
A sales manager from 106.5 Radio Station in Sunshine Coast said that he was very pleased to have such an opportunity to appreciate the exquisite, rich and profound Chinese culture, far different from his previous impression of Chinese culture. He said it was like being in a different, beautiful world.
The performance has rich and profound inner meaning, deeply touches people
Many interviewees mentioned that the song, "Candlelight" sung by Bai Xue moved them to tears and inspired them spiritually. Public Relations Manager Elfi Massey said, "Let facts and truth speak out" -- this is what he gained from the performance. He also said the performance was rich in content, yet it did not force information on the audience, but allowed people opportunity to think for themselves.
Audience member Dianne Payton said excitedly that she did not know how to express her feelings �" it was a perfect show. The lyrics for "Candlelight" moved her deeply. She felt that the song expressed the following: "Truth is Compassion, let's find the truth."
Dianne also said that the performances about Falun Gong were very good. What they displayed was compassion, which is what today's world needs most. She felt that the Falun Gong practitioners' performance reflects their kindness. She took some flyers about Falun Gong, saying that she could not understand why the persecution of Falun Gong is happening in mainland China.
 Audience members Lorma McKinnon and Dianne Payton |
Dianne's mother, Lorma McKinnon, said that they were both moved. She and her daughter saw the news about this performance and decided to come see it. It turned out to exceed her expectations. Many sections of the show displayed stories of Gods and Buddhas, telling us the origin of life. She thought it was very important. If things are truly as what the song tells, finding the truth before the disaster comes, we should know what we need to do. She believed that good people will have good fortune.
A consul who did not want to reveal his name said that the performance allowed him to learn about the real China. He said that China looks calm on the surface, but there are so many stories little known to the public. He said that this is truly a performance with extraordinary meaning.
A Westerner who was deeply moved said during the intermission, when she listened to Ms. Jiang Min's singing "Why Refuse?" she kept shedding tears. She said that she had to keep her handkerchief out when listening to her songs.
 William and his wife, business persons from Shanghai |
Businessman William and his wife from Shanghai said the performance was terrific, showcasing the rich and profound traditional Chinese culture. William said he was also moved by Falun Gong, and he wanted to learn more about Falun Gong.
The Divine Performing Arts Troupe has concluded its performances in
two
cities in Queensland, and will continue its Australian tour in
Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
After 50 performances in cities throughout America, Canada, Europe, and Japan, as well as Brisbane and Gold Coast in Australia, the Divine Performing Arts Troupe made its debut in Canberra on the evening of March 20, 2007. They performed two nights in the capital city of Australia.
 Performance Hall |
The Chinese New Year Spectacular, performed by the Divine Performing Arts Troupe, moved many audience members in Canberra. Its high artistic concept, huge power, and elegant performances combined to display the rich and profound meanings of traditional Chinese culture.
Gaining awareness of human rights problems in China after watching the show
Legislator Ms. Deb Foskey of Canberra said that Australians have mainly learned about China from the viewpoint of its being a trading partner, but thanks to numerous people's contributions in striving to raise the awareness of human rights, Australians are learning a lot more about China. She said that she had become aware of the human rights violations in China, and indicated that it is interesting to see China's human rights problems displayed in front of the world. She expressed appreciation for people's efforts in this regard.
 Legislator of Canberra, Ms. Deb Foskey |
Ms. Chantelle Lustri, secretary to the Executive Director of Canberra, said that the dances were very beautiful. “It was a moving performance, like nothing I have ever seen before. It was a great diversity of culture. It's good to let people enjoy the diversity of culture in Australia. I liked 'A Dunhuang Dream' most. I hope they (Divine Performing Arts Troupe) will come again next year.”
 Secretary to the Executive Director of Canberra, Ms. Chantelle Lustri: “The dances are very beautiful. It is a moving performance, like nothing I have seen before.” |
Human Rights lawyer praises Falun Gong practitioners' love for their country
Human Rights lawyer Mr. Bernard Collaery said he learned the meaning of “loyalty” and “filial piety” after watching the dance, “The Loyalty of Yue Fei.” He said he can understand Falun Gong practitioners. They are true patriots. He also said the performance illustrated a clear and strong message.
Canberra local media focus on the performance
Marisia works for a TV station in Canberra. She praised the dances, calling them “so beautiful.” She was most impressed with the precise footwork -- “they walk like they are skating.”
The main local newspaper, Canberra Times, ran a feature story about Vina Lee, an Australian artist, before the performance. Before that, the newspaper had another report about the upcoming performance. On March 19, the day the troupe arrived in Canberra, the paper published a long article entitled, “Inside a Celestial Kingdom,” with two large photos, and introduced the Divine Performing Arts Troupe in a very positive manner. Recently, over ten local media, including radio, TV and newspapers, showed very high interest in NTDTV's Spectacular and have run a series of reports on the event.
Many government officials and media planned to attend the
performance on the second day.
The international community is paying attention to the arrest of Ms. Liang Wenjian and Mr. Lin Zhiyong, sister and brother-in-law of British citizen Jane Liang, by the “610 Office” in Guangzhou, China. On March 20, 2007, Amnesty International issued a global urgent call for action regarding the arrest of eight Falun Gong practitioners, including Ms. Liang Wenjian and her husband. The letter called for the Chinese Communist Party to immediately and unconditionally release them. A Member of the European Parliament wrote the Chinese government to express concerns.
Amnesty International issued an urgent letter headed “Fear of torture or ill-treatment” (AI Index: ASA 17/014/2007). It listed eight Falun Gong practitioners who need urgent rescue. They are Ms. Liang Wenjian, her husband Mr. Lin Zhiyong, Ms. Li Dongmei, Wang He (sex unknown), Wu Jiangyan (sex unknown), and three others (names unknown).
The letter says, in part, “All eight were detained on 10 February by around 10 plainclothes police officers for participating in a gathering at the home of Liang Wenjian and Lin Zhiyong. Seven of the eight Falun Gong practitioners listed above have reportedly been assigned to two years of Re-education through Labor (RTL), a form of administrative detention imposed without charge, trial or judicial review, in connection with their Falun Gong activities. One, an elderly woman (unnamed), has reportedly been sentenced to one-and-half-years. They are reportedly being held at Panyu Detention Center in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, awaiting transfer to an RTL facility. Their families have not been officially informed and have not been allowed to meet with them.”
Fear of torture or ill-treatment
Chen Xin, an officer with Amnesty International in the Asia and the Pacific Region, was interviewed by The Epoch Times and expressed concerns. She pointed out that the families were not officially informed when the eight Falun Gong practitioners were detained. They had only heard about the RTL assignments. However, RTL was in violation of the international principle of fair trial and freedom. Ms. Chen said that Amnesty International was strongly opposed to the RTL system in the first place. It deprives people of their personal freedom without any legal process. As a punishment measure, it is in violation of international human rights. In addition, Amnesty International was very concerned about religious freedom. Many procedures violate the international principle of fair trial and freedom. For all these reasons, Amnesty International issued an urgent call to rescue these people.
The letter said the eight Falun Gong practitioners were in “fear of torture and ill-treatment.” “Liang Wenjian had previously been assigned to RTL at the Guangzhou Chaitou Xiaodao RTL facility from February 2000 to April 2001. During this time, she reportedly suffered torture and ill-treatment, which included being hung by her wrists so that her feet could barely touch the ground for two hours for doing the Falun Gong exercises in detention. She was also reportedly required to work up to 14 hours a day making artificial flowers.”
Ms. Chen said, “Liang Wenjian has suffered torture before. And the trials for the eight people were not open at all. In cases like these, Amnesty International is very worried they will be subjected to more torture.”
A member of the European Parliament has taken action
Ms. Liang Wenjian is the sister of British citizen Jane Liang.
Wenjian was sent for two years of forced labor three years ago. Jane
Liang tried to rescue her sister from overseas. Many British media
reported on this case. Member of the European Parliament Roger Helmer
wrote to the Chinese Ambassador in Brussels and London to express
concerns over the arrests of Liang Wenjian and her husband.