Epoch Times: What's your opinion of the Spectacular?
H. Schmidtendorf: The entire event was awesome. Naturally there are a few scenes that I liked more than others. I must say, I found it to be just wonderful, this magical metamorphoses and the sudden vibrancy of the statutes, which at the end suddenly stood motionless, before one realized it. Yes, one did not expect such a sudden change–they suddenly stood motionless. This scene showed expertise of the highest degree. But, overall there were so many beautiful scenes that one begins to wonder—where did this energy originate. This is remarkable.
ET: Does that mean that you felt some kind of energy?
HS: Yes, but this emanates from the entire group and comes from the total experience. This effortlessness—this gentleness—all these people [the audience] rarely made a sound. I think that we Germans would make loud sounds with boots. Also one observes the floating—the fighters—they also appear to float in the air. It is as if they have a propulsion system on their feet. All that was amazing.
Also the movements with the ribbons—one understands that this is part of the traditional art form—but then having the opportunity to see it is expertise of the highest degree.
Then, somebody told me that these were actually laymen. I'm flabbergasted and wonder what is professional art if these are not professional performers.
This is the highest degree of expertise! I hope that many people in many countries can see this, especially as this is a wonderful testimonial of an art that is rather new to us. Yet, it is presented in a way that elicits great joy and great surprise, over and over again.
ET: Did you bring a guest along to see this show and will you return for next years show?
HS: I think that we will see the show next year. We came with a group of friends. I must say that one should recommend this show! I find it wonderful that this thousand of year old story of that country—I am talking about the large Chinese domain—is being presented in this format and most notably that it contains spiritual thoughts.
I found it very interesting to hear out of the mouth of Chinese people about compassion, a word used by Christians. Especially, since one hears in today's China only about investments and things that are connected with a modern economy. Suddenly such talk! I think that such sentiments should belong to these people too and it is great to really hear it expressed and that there exists such a connection.
ET: I hope that you will drive home in a good mood today
HS: Yes, you can be assured that I'm in a good mood. I just said that I must have food in a Chinese restaurant now.
The Epoch Times is proud to join with NTDTV as media partner of the Global Chinese New Year Spectacular, and provides its readers an exclusive view of a unique cultural experience.
The Epoch Times wishes its readers a Happy New Year in the Year of the Boar!
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