A Big Washington Welcome for Shen Yun's Family Friendly Falun Gong

This Friday and Saturday (7:30 and 2:30 p.m., respectively; tix $25-$105), Shen Yun/Divine Performing Arts brings their Chinese spectacular to the Paramount Theatre, a show billed as "five millennia in the making." But there's a twist: while Shen Yun and their sponsors note the group "is independent of China's political regime and proud to include artists who practice the Falun Gong meditation," it turns out, the family-friendly stage show is loaded with Falun Gong philosophy, the savvy group having hijacked the cause of Chinese culture to push their own beliefs.

Thanks to Seattlest Flickr pool user (taylor) for an arresting image of protest against Falun Gong's violent suppression.

Whether or not Falun Gong is a dangerous cult (as the Chinese government and some Western specialists claim) or a fairly benign quasi-religious movement (as its followers and supporters claim)--or something in between--mirrors the debate over Scientology, though the evidence available in the West leans towards them being mostly harmless. What is certain is that in 1999, the Chinese government decided that Falun Gong had gotten dangerously popular and began a vicious crackdown on the movement, beating, jailing, and killing members. Many Falun Gong practitioners fled overseas, where they began a fairly aggressive public relations campaign in the Western media, following the lead of the Tibetans. Accusations that practitioners have been used as organ-harvest farms are amongst the most extreme claims the group has leveled at the Chinese government.

Their media push has worked, and in the U.S. today, Falun Gong enjoys widespread sympathy (well-deserved in many ways) amongst the American political class. Shen Yun received a royal welcome here in Washington. As the Epoch Times reports, Gov. Gregoire welcomed them saying: "Shen Yun celebrates China’s rich culture and history through the exquisite artistry of music and dance." Patty Murray added, "I appreciate your efforts to use this celebration as a venue for cultural exchange and as a way to add to the cultural landscape of cities around the globe."

But interestingly, the articles and promotional materials typically fail to note the Falun Gong association--beyond simply being a show open to Falun Gong artists, the show itself warps Chinese history and mythology to fit Falun Gong beliefs and serve Falun Gong's political purposes, whether good or ill, and has drawn strong criticism elsewhere. Writing in The Daily Telegraph (UK) last year, Sarah Compton, their dance critic, complained, "what I really object to is that such a politically motivated performance is being smuggled on to stages around Europe in the name of family entertainment."

Chinese-American novelist Gish Jen wrote a scathing critique of Shen Yun in the March 4 New Republic, after seeing their Chinese New Year's show at Radio City Music Hall. (See here for the full article; be aware, it's reprinted on an anti-Falun Gong site with which Gish Jen does not appear to be affiliated.)

"Most of the show was the sort of boilerplate Chinese entertainment we might have found on a cruise ship--one part flowing sleeves, one part Intro to Chinese History and Culture," she wrote. "The pretty music and pretty costumes, well-steeped in 'authenticity,' made for many a happy Asian and non-Asian face in the sold-out hall, my parents' among them. Then began, to our surprise, a program of Falun Gong Dafa agitprop."

Gish's main criticism is that the show's Falun Gong producers have appropriated classic Chinese stories and iconography for their own purposes, and sold the show to naive Western theatres as standard multicultural kitsch. In other words, it might be akin to the Mormons producing a show about Westward Expansion and touring it around the world as the story of how the West was won.

That's not to say people should avoid the show, which is supposed to be incredibly good. Again, Falun Gong has been brutally suppressed by the Chinese government, and despite some claims to the contrary, they do not appear to be a suicide cult or anything. Most observers identify the rapid rise of the group in the Nineties as the outgrowth of the suppression of democracy activists at Tinanmen Square in 1989; denied political freedom, people turned inward and flocked to Falun Gong, which focused on meditation and discouraged the materialism that was essential to Deng Xiaoping's liberalization of the Chinese economy. Today, it's virtually impossible to find unbiased information on the group, which has plugged its cause to American politicos uneasy with China's rise and to human rights groups who sympathize with their very real oppression, while China and its proxies have pushed the idea that the group is a dangerous cult to American anti-cult groups.

But it is interesting to find out that underlying even the most innocent multicultural spectacular is a complex web of cultural, social, and political conflicts, played out before guileless American audiences. This is the sort of thing that should make us all question what we're being fed all the more. Unfortunately, this author won't be making it to Shen Yun this weekend, but if anyone out there is, feel free to share your thoughts or impressions with us by emailing jeremy (at) seattlest.com.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jeremy in Arts & Events on May 21, 2009 1:00 PM

Comments [rss]

shiashifei

just watched the show in SF, Wow, what a wonderful show!!! I grew-up in China, but usually I would skip any Chinese dance show, they were not very watchable in my past experience. I would rather watch ballet or Irish folk dance instead... but this one really opened my eye, I mean, the color, the elegance, the up-lifting spirit.. now I definitely think Chinese dance show can be watchable, likable and lovable.

OK, It has some Falun Gong background, to me, that is actaully a plus to the show. Falun Gong gives a soul and a purpose to this show and make you think. Just like a good movie may follow a fighting with evil communist story line, Shen Yun's story line is even better, it is real - base on a true story, happening right now!

yliu082004

We came from China, and to help my daughter understand our culture heritange, my husband brought her to this show last year(ticket was kind of expensive). 20 minutes into the show, he realized this is Fa Lun Gong sponsored, as there are several modern performances (songs,etc.) strangely inserted in between of the traditional dances that talk about oppression by Communisty party etc. Our daughter was confused and we were very disappointed. We are not Fa Lun Gong haters. But what made us mad was that we were not given any hints about the real mission of the show (even if you go to their web site, they ask for donations in the name of Chinese Heritage, but in Chinese, it says the money is used for Fa Lun Gong). I have written them an email last year complaining, obviously with no use. I am thinking of writing to BBB as they are clearly doing false advertising. Most of my other Chinese friends who know their background choose not to go or just ignore what they are doing. But I feel this is America, I need to let people know what is really going on. I am ok if they tell people up front what they are about, but they are doing it in a hidden secrety way, at the costs of real Chinese culture.

In addition, as someone who is familiar with real Chinese arts, I could see clear differences in quality and authenticity just by looking at their vedio. The color combination of their constumes is awkward, the performance and direction are second class. They obviously had lots of funding from people who are either clearly aware of their mission or are fooled into believing what they are doing, as they advertise in big scale every year. Not sure where they got all those rev reviews. They are far from it. Anyway, I just want to spread the words and caution those who will go, you are not looking at "world class" "authentic" Chinese arts. It is your choice, but choose wisely.

Eva

I went to the show based on my co-worker's recommendation. Obviously, she liked this show very much. To be honest with you, I am not a fan of Chinese stuff, but I am impressed by this show.

The performers are very well trained, talented and energetic. I also like the color of the costume. I wish I could get my summer skirt like that.

In a nutshell, I like the show at the end. I never knew that Chinese folk dance was highly skillful. It is even more superior than ballet in certain aspects.

I'll take my friends to this show in the new year.

Enix

I liked the show very much because it made me think at the end. It made me realize that other people around the globe do not have the same freedom we have here. When I saw the one Falun Gong scene about how the father was prosecuted to death, I couldn't help not crying. Things like that would never happen here in the states. So what's wrong if they want to win people over the Falun Gong's cause? Maybe it's time we should start all caring about what's happening and not worry so much about our own personal gain. They certainly got my attention. It was only fifty something years ago that Rosa Parks refuse to give up her seat. What if African Americans never stood up and never drew attention to the issue? There are so many things happening that are bigger than us. The worst part is that, even though now I am aware (and only to find out now that this has been going on for the past 10 years), there's not much I can do except to pray for these people.

Joyce

I took my adopted Chinese 12 yo daughter to see the show tonight. The costumes and dancing were nice, but it was pretty freaky. I felt like I dropped $168 to attend an Amway presentation. It was pretty corny and sort of ironic in that reminded me of how the Chinese Communist Party was all about couching their propaganda in performances and plays through the years. Yes, I have no doubt that Falun Gong practicioners have suffered untold atrocities. But this was definately an unabashed attempt to win people over to Falun Gong's cause. My daughter none the less loved it.

JC

I took my mom to this show last year. I am not one for the performing arts, unless of course it entails some fool juggling chainsaws or some scantily clad vixens wrestling on a hi-wire. Anyway, mom wanted to see it so away we went.

To my surprise the show was really good! It was hosted by Chinese and Western hosts and was a compilation of ancient Chinese stories, Chinese instruments and Chinese vocals, which I couldn’t understand, but the power behind these voices was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Seriously, Axle Rose or Robert Plant couldn’t hold a candle to these performers. I also couldn’t keep my eyes off the dancers. They all moved like water. Each scene was a different explosion of color and energy.

To me the Falun Gong scenes were among the most powerful. I have studied Chinese Philosophy and political Science for many years and I am not too gullible when it comes to propaganda one way or another. I am also married to a Mainland Chinese woman.

Understand it or not, there’s no denying that Falun Gong is one of the most important topics in China today, since tens of millions of people who practice it are being persecuted by a proven repressive regime. For the life of me I can’t seem to understand how people can actually give any weight to anything the Chinese regime says, especially with all the denials and lies it continuously spreads about the proven atrocities happening to Tibetans, Uyghur’s, Falun Gong, Human Rights lawyers, the spread of SARS, the poisoned food and goods. etc. etc. Just Google “ China denies” and see how many hits you get. Whatever the CCP says about someone or something you bet your ass it is exactly the opposite!

Anyway, the Falun Gong performances were far from propagandizing or recruiting people to the faith. They were very much a story of the strength of Chinese people and their beliefs. They were powerful pieces that very much expressed the principle of non-violence in the face of violence and also the principle to stand up for what you believe in regardless of the cost. To show this powerful, real life issue through arts even helped me to become more aware with what is actually going on in the world today.

It amazes me how blurred the issue of “politics “ has become, and so what if something like standing up for human rights or an entertainment show is considered “political?” Most everything we see nowadays falls under the category of politics, unless you just hide inside cooking eggs all day. Take the classic “Sound of Music.” Remember, pretty Julia Andrews skipping with the children merrily over the Swiss mountain tops singing their little hearts out? Well, if you look a bit closer you will remember that the show itself was a story about a family trying to escape death at the hands of the Nazis during World War 2.

I felt this show portrayed true Chinese culture and also used real life issues to show the strength and integrity of the Chinese people. Unless of course you side with the communist regime on their take of what Chinese culture is. I mean they only destroyed or distorted virtually all of what was traditional and true Chinese culture during the Cultural Revolution which only ended in the 70s.

Also, how can you possibly distort the story of Mulan or the great Chinese general YueFei, or the famous monk JiGong into a medium to appropriate your own agenda? Come on!

I think Sarah Compton and Gish Jen wolfed down too much Mao Pork before seeing the show. They should be ashamed of themselves for attacking such an inspiring performance. I highly recommend it to anyone.

Robert Lindblad

One day, about 5 years ago, a friend said Rob heres a book you should read. He passed me Dianetics by L. Ron Hubbard. I laughed and said L. Con Flubbfart ha forget it. For the first time in the years since Ive known the guy he displayed anger and Im talking very angry!!! Verbally with an agressive face.

After that display he went on to talk about the ability to walk through walls, he hasnt reached that level but he plans on getting there etc...

"Hubbard: My father started out as a broke science-fiction writer. He was always broke in the late 1940s. He told me and a lot of other people that the way to make a million was to start a religion. Then he wrote the book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health while he was in Bayhead, New Jersey. When we later visited Bayhead, in about 1953, we were walking around and reminiscing --he told me that he had written the book in one month."

Quoted from the June 1983 Penthouse Magazine interview with L. Ron Hubbard Jr.

cyrus parsa

Hi Jeremy,

It seem's that you tried to have a bi-partison approach in your article, and every negative words you said about the Shen Yun Performance Show and the Falun Gong Spritual Group, you turned around with a positive remark, or at least some what positive. If you would Please allow,I like to quickly point out 3 things.

1. Thes show has music, dance, and story lines that include life, happiness, sadness, and the important factors of virtue, values and the important aspects of human rights. When you watch a movie or go to these type of shows, there is usually a part where good defeats evil, or good stops injustice. In the flyer I received for the show it says the artists are Falun Gong Practitioners, and they are indeed independent of China's Regime. Millions in China are being raped, tortured, organ harvested, murdered, and stripped of their basic human rights to live as free men. And these are facts backup up by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, U.N and Independent investigation's from Mataz and the many parliament members from Canada and Europe. I lived in that country for a year, by far the worst people of I have see in any country I have traveled, were the Chinese, in particular the ones brain washed and forced with a totalitarian communist view point. They are cruel to animals, dogs, and anyone who has freedom of thought and expression like you and I.

2. I saw the Show in La and in San Diego, thousands of people cheered and were moved by the show, it's kind message, and its two tasteful, but yet moving scences of persecution. The other 20 or so scences were about Dance, Cultural Values, and Spritual Principles of Bhuddism, and Taoism, which are on the fundamental building blocks of everything China stands for, and represented before the Communist brutally toke over China in 1949, killed millions, destroyed 5,000 Bhudhists temples, and made millions of Chinese, Tibetans, and Democracy Advocates flee for their lives. So you point out that Falun Gong or Falun Dafa uses it's own view and belief system for its own agenda, in fact it is using China's long historical legacy and values, for Falun Gong's tenants and belief stystem's are completely and totally based on Bhuddhists and Taoist principles, with an emphasis on Truth, Compassion, Tolerance, and 5 simple Chi Gung and Meditational Exercises that help people feel good, and healthy.

3. I wish the infromation you have recieved thus far was not so negative in form. For the over-whelming majority of scholars, visiting students, or Chinese who have money to come here are the very ones that have been leaching of the suffering's of the Billion plus in China by swearing blood oats to that cruel totalitarian communist regime. In turn, some are even spys, especially students, and the majority are the communist who come. And I can't go the exreme with this, some just watch their media and believe all the lies their government tells them, and some are indifferent, and some really hate the murderous Chinese Government and flee here on asylum. So if you have been recieving negative info about Falun Gong from someone, please be aware and don't allow those spy's and Chinese Communist Party Member's to feed you poision, and act so friendly to you. The Chinese Government and CCP members are so clever and twisted, they put on the best face, but they are like foxes who just are paid to do anything, and harm anyone.

Sorry to write for so long, but I have been researching this almost daily since the year 2000. My Bachelor's is in International Secruity and Conflict Reslution, Minor in Chinese, and my Master's is in Homeland Security, with an emphasis on countries like China, and human right violations. So I have done thousands of hours of research and live interviews with persecuted and tortured Men and Woman who Practice Falun Gong Meditation. When you listen to a Man cry and tell you how is wife murdered and turtored by the Chinese Police Department and the Communist Party, and then 7 Police officers Force him down, and make him sign his wife's cremation papers, you tend to really feel these people's suffering, rather than just writing about it from the perspective of looking at news links and so on.

More direct information can be found and link's to third party sites, through Falun Gong's Website, Falundafa.org

Also one can look at the practice free of charge at this website, the two free books are Falun Gong and Zhuan Falun, with 5 exercises that can be freely download at no cost. All of the teaching of this tranquil practice are free, and easily learned by oneself at home, or your local falundafa group excercise site, which usually are at parks. A calm mind, healty body and happy outlook is achieved with gradual practice of this practice, as long as you have the freedom to practice it.

Finally, thanks for listening.

Cyrus