Shen Yun brings the splendor of ancient China to Playhouse Square
Lately all over the Cleveland area you can find billboards advertising the upcoming Shen Yun performances which will be on stage for three performances this weekend in the State Theatre. If you travel the internet (even the Weather Channel) you will find short videos of the performance. This is a show that everyone needs to be aware of because it is so majestic in its grandeur. In short, Shen Yun is magic.
Combining precision dancing, videos, gymnastics, classical and ancient music along with elaborate costuming you will find yourself swept away by the performance time and time again during the over two hours of amazement. For those seeing the performance for the first time you are in for a treat as you witness something that is totally unique on the huge State Theatre stage.
But Shen Yun is more than simply performing. It is also a lesson of hope for those who suffer oppression from those who seek to control their country by using intimidation, threats and physical abuse. Prior to the rise of communism China was known as “The Land Of The Divine” where the arts were given top priority. Music and dance was freely encouraged as a natural freedom. This ended with the communist takeover that allowed only those arts that praised the regime.
At much risk to themselves and their families, the founders of Shen Yun escaped from their homeland and traveled to the United States where they were freely given artistic license. From these humble beginnings Shen Yun has grown to five companies who each year travel to 20 countries performing in 150 cities for a total of 500 performances. Unfortunately, they are still not allowed to perform in their own country even to this day.
The philosophy of Shen Yun dates back to ancient China where artists believed that in order to create one must first discover the inner beauty and purity within themselves. Each member of the modern Shen Yun companies follows this tradition through a discipline of meditation, study and lifestyle that is the keystone of their rigorous training. This dedication is clearly seen on stage as masterful synchronization is achieved at a grand scale.
This show is so popular in some parts of the world that fans make a special flight to the city where they are appearing just to see the show. Cleveland is very fortunate in being able to host this fantastic company for this weekend.
Performances are in the State Theatre at Playhouse Square with two shows for Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 2 and 7 p.m. and one show on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.shenyun.com/cleveland/state-theatre or www.playhousesquare.com, by phone by calling (216) 241-6000 or by stopping by the Playhouse Square Box Office located in the outer lobby of the State Theatre.