(Minghui.org) Hours before Shen Yun’s opening night at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on February 20, the theater received an email claiming that a bomb had been placed at the facility, and that it would be detonated if Shen Yun’s performance proceeded. After the threat was cleared, the performance proceeded as planned.
Similar bomb threats have also occurred at other theaters that hosted Shen Yun performances. These took place in multiple U.S. cities as well as countries such as France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Poland. At the same time, the New York Times also published more than ten reports containing inaccurate and distorted information about Shen Yun and Falun Gong.
Since the start of Shen Yun’s new season in December 2024, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s threats against Shen Yun and Falun Gong practitioners have increased month by month. From nine cases in December, 15 cases in January, to 22 cases so far in February, there have been a total of 46 cases.
The threat emails are often written in Chinese. Most of the over 130 recorded cases of attempts to sabotage Shen Yun’s performances directly involved the local Chinese embassy and consulates. The CCP’s involvement in these cases is clear.
U.S. Elected Officials Recognise Shen Yun
U.S. Senator Mark Warner from Virginia issued a congratulatory letter to Shen Yun on February 20, the first day of the performances at the Kennedy Centre.
Senator Warner wrote, “The critically important role of the arts is to enable us to see the world and the human condition differently. The arts lift our spirits and bring people together. They can free us to think and dream and sense, and this often proves invaluable. I hope that today’s event will be enriching for each member of the audience.”
Prior to Shen Yun’s performances in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on February 22 and 23, the company received a Citation of Recognition from Oklahoma State Senator Paul Rosino.
State Senator Rosino wrote, “Whereas Brilliant, Inspiring and Glorious has been the overwhelming response to Shen Yun Performing Arts’ shows.”
China Expert: “Beacon of Hope”
China expert Richard Fisher saw Shen Yun in Washington, D.C., on February 23.
“I feel like I have witnessed the essence of five thousand years of Chinese culture. Shen Yun’s performance represents a positive vision of Chinese culture in the world. This is a friendly, sacred China that seeks to create beauty,” said Mr. Fisher, a Senior Fellow on Asian Military Affairs at the International Assessment and Strategy Centre.
“You are doing the work of the Creator. Please continue. Your art is lighting up the world and is a beacon of hope,” he said.
Swiss Canton Council President: “Thank You Very Much”
Mary-Claude Fallet, the president of the Council of the Canton of Neuchâtel, saw Shen Yun in Lausanne, Switzerland, on February 22.
“The show is magnificent. It’s full of color. The dancers are cheerful and smiling, and you can see that a lot of work has gone into the show. The music is magnificent, having the music live. The opera singer was magnificent. Thank you very much for this beautiful show,” Ms. Fallet said.
“I think you can see there’s a kindness in their movements. They do it with a smile and they’ve really worked hard. You can tell there’s a unity to the show. And with the orchestra, it’s simply magnificent. Thank you so much.
“I think it’s very interesting because, given the current regime, we don’t know the culture of China, as it’s been lost. I read in the brochure that since 1949, communism has somewhat abolished culture. So it’s very interesting to learn about the culture of these regions,” Ms. Fallet said.
Two French Mayors Arrange Group Trip to See Shen Yun
The eight performances in Nantes, France, February 18–23, were sold out as early as November of last year. The mayors of two communes near Nantes, Palluau and Saint-Etienne-du-Bois, arranged a special trip together with around 50 people to see Shen Yun in Nantes on February 22.
Marcelle Barreteau, the mayor of Palluau, said that everyone was delighted by the show and that after the performance, the group chanted “I love Shen Yun!” in Chinese.
Ms. Barreteau said, “Our city governments chartered a bus and brought people from local and neighboring municipalities with us. I think everyone was greatly delighted this afternoon.”
Guy Airiau, mayor of Saint-Etienne-du-Bois, said, “We are a small group of about fifty, traveling in a small bus. Some of us are from neighboring municipalities as well.”
“It’s a grandiose and magnificent show, with stunning scenes and beautiful actors, immersing us in a different civilization as we explore Chinese culture. It was truly grandiose. The final scene, which connects modern civilisation, was the highlight,” Ms. Barreteau said.
“Such a show reminds us of the simple things and values through sound, music, and singing, as well as the beauty of precise movements and the synchronization of the dancers. It’s impressive. In all of the dancers, there isn’t a single deviation; they were in the realm of perfect harmony. There’s something magical about it all,” Mr. Airiau said.
The mayor of Saint-Etienne-du-Bois, Mr. Airiau, is also a laureate of the Knight of the French Legion of Honour. He was touched by Shen Yun’s mission to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, and connected with their spiritual message.
“The show is good; it allows us to see something else. A culture which has existed for a long time, but which is now perhaps in decline due to the will of the Chinese state. But I believe it will return one day. I am confident that we will rediscover these traditions in the future. In any case, it was a fantastic show. I loved it,” Mr. Airiau said.
“There’s a palpable sense of solidarity in the show; the characters encourage each other, saying that we will face it together, not forgetting where we came from and what kind of life we aspire to be. I found this sentiment truly inspiring throughout the performance,” he added.
“This show is important; it allows us to pause, reflect, recharge, and look inward,” Ms. Barreteau said.
“In these chaotic times, where everyone’s rushing around and the world seems to be turning upside down, this experience helps us rediscover the right direction, and reminds us that there is more to life: this spirituality that surrounds us, this vision of what’s there for life in the beyond. It’s essential to remember this. The show offers a glimmer of hope during these challenging times,” Mr. Airiau said.
Former Dutch Parliament Member: “I Enjoyed it From the First to the Last Minute”
Harry van Bommel, a former parliament member, said Shen Yun was “breathtaking.”
“I enjoyed it from the first to the last minute,” Mr. van Bommel said.
“It’s also nice that it consists of small episodes, short stories, with explanations beforehand, so you understand everything,” he said. “Beautiful music, great dance, and fantastic projected decor that moves and feels alive.”
Award-winning Allergist: “This Is Truly Great”
Dr. Thomas Fame, an award-winning allergist, saw Shen Yun in Washington, D.C., on February 21.
Dr. Fame said that his daughter had told him about the controversial reports about Shen Yun in the media, and he said to her, “You have to go see Shen Yun personally. Don’t believe the negative reports in the media.”
“How could someone still find it controversial after watching a performance like this? How can the Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance that Falun Dafa believes in be bad?” he said.
“The beauty of Shen Yun hits home for the CCP, because seeing people enjoying Shen Yun so much is what frustrates the CCP the most.
“This is truly great. Shen Yun can shake the totalitarianism of a superpower with just its beauty and dance,” Dr. Fame said.
U.K. Mayor Extends Appreciation After Seeing Performance
Shen Yun World Company presented three performances to full houses in Llandudno, United Kingdom, on February 8 and 9. Michael Pearce, the mayor of Llandudno, and his wife saw Shen Yun in Llandudno on February 9. After the performance, the mayor wrote a letter to the local sponsor to express their appreciation.
Mayor Pearce wrote, “Having thoroughly enjoyed Shen Yun’s performance last year in Llandudno, the Mayoress and I were really looking forward to this year’s performance and we were not at all disappointed!”
“The Mayoress and I would like to wish all the members of the company, the very best of wishes and thank you all for a truly memorable experience.”
For more information about performance times, locations, and tickets, please visit www.shenyun.com.
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