Shen Yun Performing Arts
Tennessee Performing Arts Center
Theatrical Performance Paper: Shen Yun Performing Arts On February 23, 2014 I attended Shen Yun Performing Arts in Nashville, Tn. This one-of-a-kind performance included music with traditional Chinese dance, which provided a unique experience at the theater for me. Its goal was to bring to life 5,000 years of Chinese history using music, dance and song to aid the portrayal of China’s ancient history. This performance was conducted by William Kuo. Shen Yun Performing Arts is one of the most unique types of performances I have seen. There was not any dialogue, it was just dancing and singing along with the music, which portrayed the ancient Chinese stories. There were, however, two narrators that described what the audience was going to see. They exchanged telling stories and introducing the acts in both English and Chinese. While each individual act was performing, there were things to think about, which were prompted by the narrators. The narration is what helped the play be realized by the audience. Without the narration, I’m not sure many people would have known what they were actually watching. In saying that, the purpose of this performance was to inform people of the 5,000 years of ancient Chinese history that is hidden underneath the current communist government. This performance was very educational. Using the methods of expression listed above, it taught me about the ancient history of China. Chinese mythology was also used to represent the beliefs of ancient China. As stated before, I could follow along and understand what was taking place thanks to the narration before each performance. The narration explained what was being performed and the relevance it had to the historical aspect of China. Furthermore, I learned about the current political issues that Chinese citizens are facing today, which were quite shocking. Because this performance was able to explain these political issues as well as educate the audience on the Chinese history, I would say that it was socially significant. When the performance concluded, I was left there wanting to gain further incite about the history of China, as well as the political issues that plague modern day China. Besides being very educational, this performance was very aesthetically pleasing. With all the bright and vibrant colors that were worn on stage, the amazing choreography and the beautiful music, this performance was very awe inspiring. I was not really sure what to expect when I paid for the tickets to see this performance, but I was very pleased with everything I saw. After the narration occurred and the performances ensued, I was drawn into the story that was being told. I understood what was happening and had an emotional bond with the scenario. During the performance there were parts that made me want to laugh as well as cry and sometimes even feel emotions that I could not explain. I felt like I was in a different world for a moment. It was a great experience. Because of this, I would say that this production was of a high artistic quality. Sometimes my mind races and I cannot stay focused. However, while I was watching this performance, I was completely enthralled in every aspect. During each performance there were different costumes with different bright colors. The characters were wearing makeup that was different, which represented the different periods of Chinese civilization. Not to mention the music that was eliciting emotions that were to the sentiments of the performance that was on stage. All of this combined was very effective in keeping my attention. There was also an interesting use of technology during some of the performances. In one of the performances a boy came from the sky, which was portrayed on a giant screen at the back of the stage, but then he was lowered onto the stage. When the image met the stage, it appeared as though the boy jumped out of the screen onto the stage. This use of technology was helpful in grabbing my attention. The combination of the brightly colored garments, the use of technology, the music and the shear talent of the dancers was what created the entertainment value of this performance for me. There was not a dull moment. When the performance concluded, I was left there in my seat pondering what I had learned, and I wanted to learn more. There were some interesting concepts that were thrown to the audience, mostly those about the current government in China, which stirred up emotions. The last performance showed us how the current government reacts to those who practice Falun Dafa, a type of Buddhist religion, which was very emotional. It showed people being persecuted because of their religious beliefs, which is what the current situation in China is. I thought to myself, what it would be like to have to worry about religious persecution, but I could not really fathom the idea. In saying that, this performance was very memorable, thought provoking and emotional. I would definitely recommend anyone who has not yet seen this performance to see it. You will learn about Chinese history through songs, dance and music, be inspired by the talents of the dancers and laugh all in the time span of two hours. This was truly an amazing experience.