(Clearwisdom.net) On Friday, April 18, 2008, Divine Performing Arts delighted the audience at Munich's Prinzregententheater. This theater is well known for its top-tier concert events. Munich was the final stop for this company on its tour through 18 European countries. Shortly after, the company of artists returned to the US with its unique show that celebrates Chinese culture.
At the end of the performance we met with Mayor Zeissmeier and his wife. They came from Pfronten in the Allgaeu mountain region specifically to see the Spectacular. They shared their views of the show with us.
Mayor Zeissmeier and his wife
The mayor had already been informed about the persecution of Falun Gong. He had heard from the press that this meditation practice was banned in 1999. He was kept abreast of China's human rights violations through meetings with Falun Gong practitioners as well by the visit of the Dalai Lama to Berlin two years ago.
He stressed, "The free world--represented by America, Europe, and many parts of Asia--has to take action. They must not keep economics in the forefront. What must come before anything else during international relationships are human rights, freedom, tolerance, and all that we have learned tonight. China has great potential. China is not only an economic power, but also has much intellectual power."
When asked about today's show he replied, "It was very beautiful. It was spectacular. It showed purity, was very poetic, and was a great success. The old and the modern, represented by the different scenes, the drums, the singers and the dancers were a unique combination."
It appeals to the best human feelings
Mr. Zeissmeier's wife was quite impressed with the evening. She thought it was educational and, in her opinion, was "an education for the heart."
"I felt that this was an intensely engaging show that forces one to reflect on a great deal. It is not comparable to any other show. It only appeals to the best human feelings. At least, that's how I feel about it. The usual type of shows addresses sometimes rather base instincts. This show imparted purity in my opinion, exuded harmony, and was very charming. The charm permeated everything. It is something that one is generally not exposed to. It was presented very tastefully and made people think. Thank you very much!"
A member of the German Bundestag, "This art compels one to reach another sphere and to think in a different dimension"
Dr. Axel Berg, a member of the German Bundestag and acting SPD [Social Democratic Party of Germany] speaker for energy policy, said that he definitely would recommend the show to others and tell them, "It was a great pleasure, a fun-filled evening and at the same time it urges one to reflect on what one sees. There is nothing more perfect than this show."
Dr. Axel Berg, member of the German Bundestag and acting SPD speaker for energy policy
"The political message in this art form will force the audience to think in other spheres and in other dimensions."
"The minute you think about what is happening on the stage, you become a part of the whole," he said.
This Bundestag representative knew about Chinese culture from his political associations.
" I attended this performance today because I wanted to express my support for Falun Gong, culture, democratic movements, and freedom of thought. Although I'm a great friend of the Chinese [people] and feel sympathy for the regime, I still want to support this. That is the reason why I attended this show today. You have done a perfect job," said Dr. Berg.
He appreciated the performance sincerely. He liked the drums the best, but also appreciated the other scenes. He said, "The unity among the dancers is brilliant and at an advanced level."
He also said that the choreography, in conjunction with the backdrop, was done exceptionally well, "...especially since it corresponded with respect to colors with each program and presented a completely different stage to the audience. I found this absolutely great. Yes, it might have been quite nice if there was just a stationary backdrop, but one would have tired of it. The difference was that this backdrop moved."
He named "Nymphs of the Sea" as an example of the great impact of what he was trying to convey. He said, "One does not see a stormy sea, no waves, and no moving sea. One sees completely quiet and yet lightly moving waves, which, together with the dancers, present an absolutely intense effect."
Category: Shen Yun Performing Arts
