Chen Xinning, Clearwisdom reporter
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.
Posting date: 26/Mar/2007
Original article date: 24/Mar/2007
Category: Australian News