(Clearwisdom.net) On Saturday, March 28, 2009, the New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts (Shen Yun) staged two performances in Lodz, Poland. Even though it was the first time that Shen Yun visited Poland, the three performances on the 27th and the 28th attracted people from all walks of life, including Members of Parliament, the Governor, professors, art VIPs, company directors and Chinese people. People were moved by the pure kindness and pure beauty of the shows. Similar to the first two performances, the Saturday night show was sold out.
On the evening of March 28, 2009, Shen Yun Performing Arts staged a third show to a packed theatre in Lodz
Long standing ovation at the end of the show
CEO of the National Bank of Poland: Enjoyed the combination of peace and movements
Mr. Jerzy Pruski, the CEO of the National Bank of Poland, attended the evening performance on March 28 with his wife, Zolanta. During the intermission, they commented that the show was extraordinary, an interesting cultural feast.
Zolanta is the head of auditing at the National Bank. She said, "It is rare to see a performance as rich in content. Naturally it aroused great interest. For us, Shen Yun was an interesting cultural feast. We have always wanted to see what Chinese classical dance was about."
"The music was very interesting, sweet and smooth. We did not expect the dances could so effortlessly combine inner peace with movements. The same with the music. It gave you a sense of movement, yet at the same time calmness. We enjoyed it very much."
Mr. Pruski smiled and said, "I share my wife's feelings. I completely agree with what she said."
I admire Shen Yun from the bottom of my heart
Mr. Zabiello admires Shen Yun artists' performances
During the intermission at the evening performance on March 28, an elderly gentleman with tears in his eyes attracted attention.
Mr. Zabiello spent most of his life fighting against tyranny. When the Nazis occupied Poland during the World War II, he was a member of AK, the famous underground anti-Nazi organization. When the communists took hold of Poland, he joined the anti-communist Solidarnosc. Due to his background, he paid special attention to the piece that depicted the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong. He said, "I thought a long time about that piece. Chinese people are suffering great pain. Without a doubt, a normal society will arrive, like to other countries in the world. The totalitarian government is alien to Chinese culture. I sincerely hope Chinese people will enjoy freedom and democracy."
Having experienced a totalitarian communist regime, he "hopes China will get better and better just like Poland. The situation in Poland was once very similar to that in China."
Mr. Zabiello, an architect by profession, expressed his admiration for Shen Yun, "Obviously the performance was excellent! The colours were so beautiful. I did not know China had such advanced culture. I admired the show from the bottom of my heart and enjoyed it tremendously."
He said that even though he could not completely understand oriental culture, he was very much fascinated, not because it was popular but because it was a place inhabited by beautiful people. He added, "I have read that Chinese culture is very unique. We all came from there."
Finally he mentioned an ancient prophesy, "When the Chinese people come it will be good for us." Mr. Zabiello hoped it will come true.
Polish Tenor: Sore throat was miraculously cured during the performance
"I was very lucky to have seen such a perfect performance. The dances were elegant and wonderful. The singers were all marvellous!" "They were outstanding: tenor, baritone and soprano. I admire them, especially the tenor, as I am a tenor myself. The singing was loud and powerful from the beginning to the end. It was very professional."
He said, "Next year I will invite everyone that I know to see the show."
"Five thousand years of Chinese culture is well worth us getting to know. The Shen Yun performance included many legends and ethnic folk dances from various regions."
He also said happily, "Perhaps it was fate that I had a sore throat from before Thursday, which disappeared miraculously in the theatre. I had never expected anything like this."
Mr. Jurkiewicz concluded, "I wish Shen Yun a successful European tour. If they would remember Poland, I hope they would visit our country again. I sincerely wish them every success. Hope this will not be their last time in Poland."
Ballet dancer: The show was flawless
A Japanese ballet dancer since the age of eight, Ikego, told the reporter excitedly, "I loved the show. It was perfect to me. As a ballet dancer I know very well that the performers had superb skills and exquisite movements. The Shen Yun's performance was flawless to me."
Having seen the matinee performance on March 28th, Ms. Ikego could not wait to share her joy. During the interview, she stressed time and again how perfect the show was.
Ms. Ikego said that she knew a few Chinese stories from before, such as the Monkey King, which she enjoyed very much. She said, "Their skills were superb. As a ballet dancer, I know how difficult the movements were. But they completed them so beautifully, which was the reason why I enjoyed it so much." Ms. Ikego also said that she would tell her friends.
Chinese audience member: This is the essence of traditional culture
Mr. Wang said, "I felt great. My favourite was the classical dances. The ethnic dances were also good. I felt a bit nostalgic afterwards. While cultures are being globalized, I thought it important for each nation to learn more about their own traditional culture, which can not be discarded. Traditional culture is important. That's why I loved Shen Yun."
Mr. Wang emphasized, "There is a spiritual element in traditional culture, which goes beyond the material exterior. Shen Yun means you can see in it divine beauty and charm, which is the essence of traditional culture."
Mrs. Huang (alias) who recently came to Poland to visit relatives said, "I was lucky to see a Chinese performance like this. It was great. Shen Yun presented five thousand years of Chinese history at a high calibre. We can not see programs like this in mainland. The Chinese New Year Gala (done by the CCP) is filled with advertisement for the Party."
"I loved the Monkey King and the piece that told the story of Ji Gong. They were very rich in content. The Shen Yun show had very high cultural and spiritual values," said Mrs. Huang.