PARIS—They came to Paris, they captivated the audiences in Palais des Congress, and they conquered their hearts. Last Saturday on Feb. 24, more than 7,000 people in the art capital of Europe experienced traditional Chinese culture in its purest form.
The 2007 Chinese New Year Spectacular performed for two full-house audiences. From the beginning to the end, the audience was led through a journey of cultural performances featuring fascinating tales of celestial kingdoms with Buddha and Gods, legends of Chinese historical personalities, elegant costume group dances from different dynasties, and world-class solo instrumental and song performances.
"There were no special effects, no psychedelic lights, and no spotlights—just pure art," said Khosro Zabihi, author of an illustrated book on Kurdish land, people and culture.
"I cannot find words to appreciate…what my family and I experienced this weekend. We will never forget it," he added.
When the curtains opened for the first act, revealing the sight of a heavenly scene, the audience burst into applause. The bold opening act, in the form of a legend of the beginning of time, when gods set the path of Chinese history with its eras of dynasties, lifted the expectations of the audiences for the rest of the show. And they were not disappointed at all because what followed were artistic performances that could soothe the soul.
The delighted audiences marvelled at the tales of historical heroes like the patriotic General Yue Fei and the lady warrior Mulan; and applauded the charming dances of the elegant Manchu Court ladies, the tough horse riders of the Mongolian steppes, and dances of other Chinese dynasties and ethnicities. The solo performances of excellent singers like Bai Xue, Guan Guimin and Yang Jiansheng, and the heart-touching music by Qi Xiaochun on her erhu, an ancient musical instrument with more than a thousand years history, were more than what any cultured audience could ever hope for.
A small part of the show told the tragic story of the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese regime. The Chinese communist regime claims the show is political and has tried to stop it. If telling the truth about persecuted people is political, then it is. Falun Gong is a part of Chinese culture—nothing can change that. In history, the role of art and culture has always been used to protest against persecution. It is only right to tell the truth about Falun Gong in this cultural show. This particular performance was done in an artistic and dignified way, touching many hearts and evoking many righteous thoughts.
The Chinese regime has failed to stop the show. The show regenerates the cultural treasures of ancient Chinese history, which the Chinese communist party has been trying to destroy and replace with Party worship. It fears that the appreciation of Chinese culture will threaten the survival of the Party.
"The second generation [Chinese people] did not have the Chinese culture, the West too do not understand it. I think Chinese culture should develop again," said Mr. Zhou, a businessman from Taiwan.
After watching the gala, an elderly French gentleman who was a musician in the French Army said, "I did not expect to see something so beautiful. I know how much work is required to achieve such precision, I am impressed."
"I know about the persecution of Falun Gong. It is not right that people are being persecuted because of their beliefs or opinions," he added.
Several people from the audience did not spare superlatives when they talked about the Spectacular.
"No culture, no people! Between violence and non-violence, one day culture with non-violence will win," said Anug Ko, the distinguished Burmese dissident and permanent member of the Belgium International Film Festival.
The Epoch Times is proud to join with New Tang Dynasty TV and Sound of Hope Radio in co-sponsoring NTDTV's Chinese New Year Spectacular . This article is one of a series meant to introduce this unique and important event.
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